The Malay Mail reports that Malaysia is debating changes to retirement, with the government studying a proposal to lift the civil service’s mandatory retirement age from 60 to 65, while the private-sector minimum remains 60. UNDP’s Edward Vrkić said policy choices should fit Malaysia’s context, noting benefits of longer working lives for social connection and wellbeing.
At the World Social Security Forum, Sweden’s approach was highlighted as a reference point. Swedish Pensions Agency director general Anna Pettersson Westerberg said raising the pension access age has “nudged” people to work longer; Sweden moved from 65 to 66 in 2023 and is set to reach 67 next year.
Global perspectives at the forum underlined that longer lifespans call for more flexible pathways. The World Bank’s Fiona Elizabeth Stewart cautioned that simply increasing retirement ages is a “blunt tool,” urging policies that retrain some workers, enable later work for others, and recognise those who cannot work longer.
Japan’s recent reforms were also noted in Malaysian debate, including expanded pension insurance coverage for part-timers and an option to defer old-age pension up to 75, reflecting high senior employment. In Malaysia, a tax deduction for employers hiring workers aged 60+ will be extended from 2026 to 2030 to encourage active ageing and financial independence.
