KUCHING – Sarawak is facing growing demand for elderly healthcare as its population ages, with Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian calling for broader geriatric training and stronger support across hospitals and communities.
Speaking at the International Day of Older Persons 2026 celebration at Sarawak General Hospital on October 1, Dr Sim said the state had about 365,000 people aged 60 and above in 2026.
He said the demographic shift would require existing health and social care systems to be adapted to support people living longer while maintaining their independence and quality of life.
The Department of Statistics Malaysia’s 2025 district estimates show that several areas of Sarawak already have relatively high proportions of residents aged 60 and above. Lubok Antu recorded 22.6 per cent, followed by Saratok at 19.7 per cent, Sri Aman at 19.2 per cent and Kabong at 18.8 per cent. Kanowit recorded 18.7 per cent.
DOSM’s population projections also indicate that Sarawak is moving towards the ageing population threshold, with the proportion of residents aged 60 and above expected to reach 15 per cent later this decade. Earlier state government statements have placed the transition around 2028, while DOSM’s longer-term projections have indicated 2029.
The changing age profile has implications for healthcare delivery, particularly for people living with chronic conditions, reduced mobility and other needs associated with older age.
At SGH, Dr Sim said people aged above 60 accounted for 48 per cent of cases described as stranded patients – people who remain in hospital because they cannot be discharged safely despite no longer requiring acute hospital treatment.
“According to the latest statistics, the number of stranded cases in SGH (Sarawak General Hospital) involving people above 60 years old is 48 per cent,” he said. “We don’t have enough beds, but on the other hand, we cannot get people out of the hospital because they have nowhere else to go. And that is part of the issue. These are the gaps.”
The situation points to the role of services outside acute hospitals, including rehabilitation, community healthcare, home-based support and transitional care. Such services can help bridge the gap between hospital treatment and longer-term support, particularly for older people who require assistance before returning home.
Dr Sim said Sarawak had four geriatricians in government service and two in private practice in 2026. He called for more structured training and continuing mentorship involving doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and rehabilitation professionals to expand the capacity of the wider healthcare workforce.
He also highlighted the need for greater cooperation between government, healthcare providers, families and communities, arguing that ageing should not be treated solely as a hospital or institutional care issue.
Beyond healthcare, the response to demographic ageing also involves preventive health, long-term care, accessible housing and communities, financial security, social connections, mental wellbeing, transport and digital inclusion.
The World Health Organisation’s age-friendly approach similarly places emphasis on enabling older people to remain active and connected within their communities, rather than viewing ageing solely through the healthcare system.
For Sarawak, the demographic transition is therefore likely to affect planning across several sectors as the number of older residents increases. Current district-level figures already show that some parts of the state have a substantially older population profile than others, underlining the importance of considering local needs when developing services.
The International Day of Older Persons 2026 theme, “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking SYSTEMS for Longer Lives”, reflects the wider policy challenge of adapting systems to longer life expectancy and changing population structures.
Dr Sim’s remarks at SGH placed particular emphasis on strengthening multidisciplinary geriatric care and developing alternatives that allow older people to receive appropriate support outside acute hospital settings. – Sarawak Daily
