KUCHING: Three universities in Sarawak will hold a study on ageing (Ageing Society) next year.
According to Sarawak Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, the trio involved in the study are Swinburne University Sarawak, Curtin and Sarawak Technology University (UCTS).
She said the research that would be carried out included mapping the profiles of the elderly, identifying the issues and challenges of an ageing society in Sarawak.
“Sarawak will reach the status of an old state by 2028 which is earlier than the expectation that the whole of Malaysia will reach that status in 2030.
“The trend of the elderly population in Sarawak has also increased by 0.55 per cent every year since 2020 where previously the Sarawak government also collaborated with My Ageing, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) to conduct research.
“This is to obtain evidence-based input for the development of policies and programmes as well as the implementation of targeted interventions.”
She said this at a press conference after chairing the Sarawak Women and Family Council meeting here on Tuesday (Dec 13).
Meanwhile, Fatimah also announced the retirement of the ministry’s permanent secretary, Datu Rashidah Bolhassan.
“Thank you for your contributions and support while being the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development.”
