Malaysia’s Aging Population by State (2025): % Elderly & Dependency Ratios
MALAYSIA – Is Malaysia becoming an aging country? And how does it differ from state to state?
In this article, we explore how population aging is unfolding across Malaysia by examining the share of elderly residents in each state, along with key demographic indicators such as the old-age, young-age, and total dependency ratios. These measures help us understand the support burden placed on the working-age population, and how it varies from one state to another.
Scope
- This analysis is based on Current Population Estimates, Malaysia 2025 Report by DOSM (link)
- Metrics:
- Percentage of elderly population (60+) by state
- Old-age dependency ratio
- Young-age dependency ratio
- Total dependency ratio
Which States Have the Most Elderly (60+)?
Perak has the highest proportion of elderly in Malaysia (15.34%), followed by Sarawak at 13.98%. All states in the northern region are among the top six (Perak, Kedah, Pulau Pinang & Perlis), compared to younger states like W.P. Putrajaya, W.P. Labuan and Sabah, which still have a predominantly younger demographic. Malaysia, in general, has an elderly population of 12%.
Old-Age Dependency: Who’s Supporting the Elderly?
The old-age dependency ratio tells us how many elderly people exist for every 100 working-age individuals (aged 15–59). A higher ratio indicates a greater burden on the working population to support older adults.
In Perak, for every 100 people aged 15–59, there are 24 elderly (aged 60 and above), the highest old-age dependency ratio in the country, followed by Kedah at 22. In contrast, W.P. Putrajaya remains youthful, with just 6 elderly per 100 working-age people.
Young-Age Dependency: Who’s Supporting the Children?
The young-age dependency ratio indicates how many children there are for every 100 working-age adults (aged 15–59).
In W.P. Putrajaya, there are 53 children (aged 0–14) for every 100 working-age adults, followed by Kelantan at 45.
In contrast, W.P. Kuala Lumpur has only 23 children per 100 working-age adults.
Total Dependency: Both elderly and children
The total dependency ratio combines both the elderly and children to show the overall support burden on the working-age population.
Kelantan has the highest total-age dependency ratio at 64.
How to read this: For every 100 people aged 15–59, there are 45 children and 19 elderly, totaling 64 dependents.
This is followed by Terengganu, its East Coast neighbour, at 60.
On the other end, W.P. Kuala Lumpur has the lowest total-age dependency ratio at 38, meaning fewer children and elderly per 100 working-age adults.
Key Takeaways
Perak, Kedah & Sarawak are among Malaysia’s oldest states, both in % elderly and old-age dependency.
W.P. Putrajaya and Kelantan have high young-age dependency ratios, reflecting a larger share of young populations (aged 0–14).
Kelantan has the highest total dependency ratio, driven mostly by its large child population.
Malaysia’s national total dependency ratio is 51, meaning there are about 51 dependents for every 100 working-age adults.
Table: Mid-Year Population 2025
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