KUCHING: Sarawak is among the states that have recorded a life expectancy exceeding the national average, reflecting improvements in public health and social well-being.

The state joins Selangor, the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, and the Federal Territory of Labuan in this achievement.

Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, said the data indicates that Malaysia is rapidly moving towards becoming an ageing society, a development that demands comprehensive preparedness in social, economic, and healthcare aspects to ensure the continued well-being of senior citizens.

According to her, 30 out of 156 districts in Malaysia have surpassed the national life expectancy level.

The highest life expectancy for men was recorded in Kinabatangan, Sabah (79.8 years), while the highest for women was in Telupid, Sabah (82.8 years).

“For districts in Sarawak, for example, Kota Samarahan has seen a continuous rise in life expectancy at birth, 79.8 years in 2023, 80.4 years in 2024, and projected to reach 80.9 years in 2025, the highest in the country.

“Meanwhile, the lowest life expectancy in the state is recorded in Kanowit, at 66.5 years by 2025,” she said.

Dato Sri Fatimah said this in her speech during the opening ceremony of the Sarawak International Conference on Ageing (SICA) 2025 held here on Tuesday.

She added that the state government recognises this reality and is taking proactive measures through collaborations with strategic agencies, local authorities, and community partners to strengthen support systems and create opportunities that enable senior citizens in Sarawak to live active, safe, and dignified lives.

“The Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC) offers special discounts, benefits, and access to services that ease their financial burden, while the Senior Citizen Health Benefit (SCHB) scheme, valued at RM50 million, provides cashless medical treatment worth up to RM500 a year at more than 290 panel clinics across Sarawak.

“To further assist with living costs, senior citizens also receive the Sarawak Basic Necessities Contribution (SKAS), an annual financial aid ranging from RM250 to RM800,” she said.

The event was also attended by Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Professor Dr. Sim Kui Hian who represented the Premier for the event, Deputy Ministers for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Rosey Yunus and Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Datu Felicia Tan Ya Hua, Sarawak Social Welfare Department Director, Semawi Mohamad, and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews

Translator: Uilson Ng