In 2024, the share of the Malaysian population aged over 65 years was at *** percent, an increase compared to *** percent in the previous year. Malaysia is currently facing the prospect of an aging population, and the latest statistical data predicted this to be happening as soon as in 2030. Aging population by 2030? An aging population is defined as one in which those aged 65 years and above make up at least 15 percent of the total population. According to a statement by Malaysia’s Chief Statistician in July 2019, the 15 percent threshold would be crossed in 2030. The past ten years have seen a change in Malaysia’s age structure. The share of the population between 0 and 14 years had been decreasing steadily, while the inverse was true for those aged 65 and above. The average age of the Malaysian population reflected this trend, and was expected to reach **** years in 2030, up from **** years in 2015. Is Malaysia ready for an aging society? Academics fear that Malaysian society would not be ready to meet the needs of a rapidly aging society. In a survey on aging, more than ** percent of Malaysian respondents felt that it was the duty of the young to take care of the elderly. This mindset places the burden of care on a shrinking base of young people. Not only that, it could contribute to the underdevelopment of social services for the elderly. Already, more Malaysians seemed pessimistic about aging. Existing problems such as a lack of professional caregivers, affordable care, and elderly-friendly housing, especially in rural areas, need to be quickly addressed before the silver tsunami overwhelms the country.

This statistic shows the age structure in Malaysia from 2013 to 2023. In 2023, about 22.29 percent of Malaysia's total population were aged 0 to 14 years.

Abstract

The Household Income/Basic Amenities Survey (HIS/BA) 2009 is the latest income survey carried out by the Department of Statistics, Malaysia after the last survey conducted in 2007. The survey is implemented twice in five years. The publication provides data on income, poverty and basic amenities at national and state levels for citizens only.

The main objectives of the survey are as follows: - collect information on income distribution pattern of households;m - identify the poverty groups; and - to identify the accessibility of basic amenities by poor households.

Data from the survey are used by the government as inputs for the formulation of national development plan especially in preparing the Tenth Malaysia Plan.

Geographic coverage

The survey covered both urban and rural areas in Malaysia except the Orang Asli Enumeration Block (EBs) in Peninsular Malaysia. Usually the EBs that lie in the interior areas are not included in the sampling frames. However, for the latest survey, the Department expanded its coverage to include these EBs.

Analysis unit

• Households;
• Individuals.

Universe

The survey covered households staying in private living quarters (LQ). The institutional households, that is, those living in hostels, hotels, hospitals, old folks homes, military and police barracks, prisons, welfare homes and other institutions were excluded from the coverage of the survey.

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

Sampling frame

The frame used for the selection of sample for HIS/BA 2009 was based on the National Household Sampling Frame (NHSF) which was made up of EBs created for the 2000 Population and Housing Census. EBs are geographical contiguous areas of land with identifiable boundaries. On average, each EB contains about 80 to 120 living quarters. Generally, all EBs are formed within gazetted boundaries i.e. within administrative districts, mukim or local authority areas.

The EBs in the sampling frame are also classified by urban and rural areas. Urban areas are as defined in the 2000 Population and Housing Census. Urban areas are gazetted areas with their adjoining built-up areas which had a combined population of 10,000 or more at the time of the 2000 Population and Housing Census. All other gazetted areas with a population of less than 10,000 persons and non-gazetted areas are classified as rural.

Built-up areas are defined as areas contiguous to a gazetted area and have at least 60 per cent of their population (aged 10 years and over) engaged in nonagricultural activities as well as having modern toilet facilities in their housing units.

Urbanisation is a dynamic process and keeps changing in line with progress and development. Thus the urban areas for the 1991 and 2000 censuses do not necessarily refer to the same areas, as areas fulfilling the criteria of urban continue to increase or grow over time.

Sample design

A two-stage stratified sampling design was adopted and the levels of stratification are as follows: i) Primary stratum - made up of states in Malaysia ii) Secondary stratum - made up of urban and rural as defined in para 6.5 and formed within primary stratum

Samples are drawn independently within each level of the secondary stratum. The units for first stage sample selection are the EBs while the second stage units are the LQs within the EBs. All households and persons within the selected LQs are canvassed. At every stage of selection, the units are selected systematically with equal probability within each level of the secondary stratum.

Sample size

The sample size required is based on the relative standard error of the previous survey for each stratum and state. Other factors such as cost and availability of staff are also taken into considerations in determining the sample size.

The sampling procedures are more fully described in "Malaysia Household Income and Basic Amenities Survey 2009 - Report" pp. 93-96.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Sampling error estimates

Sampling error is a result of estimating data based on a probability sampling, not on census. Such error in statistics is termed as relative standard error (RSE) and is given in percentage. This is used as an indicator to the precision of the parameter under study. In other words, it reflects the extent of variation with other sample-based estimates. For the HIS/BA 2009, the mean monthly gross household income for Malaysia was RM4,025 with an RSE of 0.63 per cent. In other words, the standard error (SE) is approximately RM25. Assuming that the mean household income is normally distributed, the confidence interval for the estimated mean income can be calculated. Based on a 95 percent confidence level (alpha = 0.05), the mean monthly household income was found to be in the range of RM3,975.75–RM4,074.89 monthly.

Abstract

The main objective of the 2011 Labour Force Survey is to collect information on the structure and distribution of labour force, employment and unemployment. Besides furnishing estimates at national and state levels, the survey also produces useful data for urban and rural areas. The comprehensive and systematic approach in the data collection and processing has been maintained over a period of time with the aim of obtaining comparable time series data.

Geographic coverage

The Labour Force Survey covers both urban and rural areas of all states in Malaysia.

Analysis unit

People aged 15 years and over

Universe

The survey population is defined to cover persons who live in private living quarters and hence excludes persons residing in institutions such as hotels, hostels, hospitals, prisons, boarding houses and military barracks. The survey comprises the economically active and inactive population.

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

Sampling frame

The frame used for the Labour Force Survey is from the Household Sampling Frame, Department of Statistics, Malaysia which is made up of Enumeration Blocks (EBs) created for the 2000 Population and Housing Census.

EBs are geographically contiguous areas of land with identifiable boundaries. On average, each EB contains about 80 to 120 living quarters. Generally, all EBs are formed within gazetted boundaries, i.e. within administrative district, mukim or local authority areas.

The EBs in the sampling frame are also classified by urban and rural areas. Urban areas are as defined in the 2000 Population and Housing Census. Urban areas are gazetted areas with their adjoining built-up areas which have a combined population of 10,000 or more at the time of the 2000 Population and Housing Census. All other gazetted areas with a population of less than 10,000 persons and non-gazetted areas are classified as rural. Built-up areas are defined as areas contiguous to a gazetted area and has at least 60 per cent of their population (aged 10 years and over) engaged in nonagricultural activities as well as having modern toilet facilities in their housing units.

Urbanisation is a dynamic process and keeps changing in line with the progress and development. Thus, the urban areas for the 1991 and 2000 censuses do not necessarily refer to the same areas, as areas fulfilling the criteria of urban continue to increase or grow.

For the purpose of urban/rural analysis, the stratum are combined as follows: Urban = Metropolitan + Urban large Rural = Urban small + Rural

Sample design

A stratified two-staged sample design is adopted, that is: Primary stratum = made up of the states in Malaysia Secondary stratum = made up of the urban and rural stratum as defined in para 6.7 and formed within the primary stratum

Samples are drawn independently within each level of the secondary stratum. The first stage units of sample selection are the EBs while the second stage units are the living quarters (LQs) within the EBs. All households and persons within the selected LQs are canvassed. At every stage of selection, the units are selected systematically with equal probability within each level of the secondary stratum.

Sample size

The sample size required is based on the reliability of available past data. Other factors such as cost and availability of staff are also taken into consideration in determining the sample size.

The sampling procedures are more fully described in "Malaysia Labour Force Survey 2011 - Report" pp. 261-264.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The survey questionnaire is designed to collect pertinent information on personal characteristics of the survey population and detailed information on economic characteristics of the labour force.

All household members will be asked the following information: (i) relationship to the head of household; (ii) sex; (iii) age; (iv) ethnic and citizenship; (v) marital status; and (vi) educational attainment.

For those aged 15 years and over, their activity status either employed unemployed or outside labour force will be determined. Information collected from the employed include whether they had been working or not during the reference week, the number of hours worked, occupation, industry and status in employment. If they have worked less than 30 hours per week, reasons and willingness to accept additional work is also obtained. If they have not been working during the reference week but have a job to return to, the reasons for not working would be sought.

The following questions will be asked to those who are unemployed: (i) action taken to look for work; (ii) work experience; and (iii) duration of unemployment.

Those who are classified as outside labour force will be asked to state the reasons for not seeking work and work experience, if any.

Sampling error estimates

Sampling error is a result of estimating data based on a probability sampling, not on census. Such error in statistics is termed as relative standard error and often denoted as RSE which is given in percentage. This error is an indication to the precision of the parameter under study. In other words, it reflects the extent of variation with other sample-based estimates.

Sampling errors of estimates on a few important variables at national and state levels are calculated separately. For Labour Force Survey 2011, the labour force participation rate for Malaysia was 64.4 percent with an RSE of 0.25 percent and standard error (SE) of 0.16 percent. At 95 per cent confidence interval (a = 0.05), the labour force participation rate was in the range of 64.08–64.72 percent.

As of July 2024, **** percent of the Malaysian population were classified as Bumiputera, **** percent were classified as ethnic Chinese, and *** percent as ethnic Indians. Those who do not fall under these three main ethnic groups are classified as ‘Other’. Malaysia is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society with three main ethnicities and language groups. Who are Malaysia’s Bumiputera? Bumiputera, meaning sons of the soil, is a term used to categorize the Malays, as well as the indigenous peoples of Peninsular Malaysia, also known as orang asli, and the indigenous peoples of Sabah and Sarawak. As of July 2023, the Bumiputera share of the population in Sabah was ** percent, while that in Sarawak was **** percent. Thus, the incorporation of the states of Sabah and Sarawak during the formation of Malaysia ensured that the ethnic Malays were able to maintain a majority share of the Malaysian population. Bumiputera privileges and ethnic-based politics The rights and privileges of the Malays and the natives of Sabah and Sarawak are enshrined in Article 153 of Malaysia’s constitution. This translated, in practice, to a policy of affirmative action to improve the economic situation of this particular group, through the New Economic Policy introduced in 1971. 50 years on, it is questionable whether the policy has achieved its aim. Bumiputeras still lag behind the other ethnic two major groups in terms of monthly household income. However, re-thinking this policy will certainly be met by opposition from those who have benefitted from it.

Medical Travel Companion Market Outlook

The global medical travel companion market size was valued at USD 1.2 billion in 2023 and is forecasted to grow to USD 2.5 billion by 2032, exhibiting a robust CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period. A significant growth factor driving this market forward is the increasing aging population worldwide, necessitating enhanced care during travel. The market's expansion is also fueled by the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, which require continuous medical support, even during travel. Additionally, the burgeoning healthcare tourism industry is significantly contributing to the growth of the medical travel companion market.

One of the primary growth drivers of the medical travel companion market is the increasing aging population. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global population aged 60 years and older is expected to total 2 billion by 2050, up from 900 million in 2015. This demographic shift is creating a substantial demand for travel companions who can provide essential medical support during journeys, ensuring the safety and comfort of elderly travelers. The rising life expectancy and the desire among senior citizens to travel have further bolstered the need for professional medical travel companions.

Another critical growth factor is the surge in chronic illnesses. The global burden of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory disorders, is increasing at an alarming rate. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that chronic diseases are the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Patients suffering from these conditions often require continuous medical care, making the services of medical travel companions indispensable. These professionals ensure that patients receive the necessary medical attention and support during their travels, thereby enhancing their travel experience and ensuring their safety.

The healthcare tourism industry is experiencing exponential growth, significantly contributing to the medical travel companion market. Countries like India, Thailand, Malaysia, and Mexico have become popular destinations for medical tourism due to the availability of high-quality healthcare services at affordable prices. Patients traveling to these destinations for medical treatments often require the services of medical travel companions to manage their healthcare needs during the journey. The increasing awareness of healthcare tourism and the availability of cost-effective medical treatments in foreign countries are expected to drive the demand for medical travel companions further.

Outbound Medical Tourism Services are becoming an integral part of the healthcare landscape, as more patients seek medical treatments abroad. This trend is driven by the pursuit of affordable healthcare solutions and access to specialized medical procedures that may not be available in their home countries. Countries like India, Thailand, and Malaysia are at the forefront of this movement, offering world-class medical facilities at a fraction of the cost compared to Western nations. As a result, there is a growing need for medical travel companions who can provide essential support and ensure the well-being of patients during their medical journeys. These services not only enhance the travel experience but also provide peace of mind to patients and their families, knowing that professional care is readily available.

Regionally, the market's growth is prominent in North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. North America holds a significant share of the market due to the well-established healthcare infrastructure and the high disposable income of the population. Europe is also witnessing substantial growth, driven by its aging population and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases. The Asia Pacific region is expected to exhibit the highest CAGR during the forecast period, owing to the booming medical tourism industry and the increasing awareness of the benefits of medical travel companions. Government initiatives in these regions to promote healthcare tourism are further propelling market growth.

Service Type Analysis

The medical travel companion market is segmented by service type into personal care attendants, medical escorts, travel nurses, and others. Personal care attendants are

Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) is a condition when a person’s blood glucose level is above the normal range, but below the diagnostic cut-off for a formal diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of IFG among adults aged 18 years and older in Malaysia and its’ associated factors. Data were obtained as part of the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019 [1]. It was a community-based, cross-sectional study that was conducted among a targeted population in both urban and rural areas in all 13 states and 3 federal territories in Malaysia, using a two stage stratified random sampling method. Adults aged 18 years and older with fasting capillary blood glucose (FBG) readings of ≤ 6.9 mmol/L were selected, except those known to have diabetes. IFG was defined according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria as FBG between 6.1 and 6.9 mmol/L. The data were analyzed using SPSS Version 28.0. A total of 6183 respondents - 2842 men and 3341 women participated in this study. The overall prevalence of IFG was 22.6% (95% CI: 20.4, 24.9). Respondents aged 60 years and older had the highest percentage of IFG at about 30.2% (95% CI: 26.4, 34.4), followed by respondents with hypercholesterolemia at 29.2% (95% CI: 25.2, 33.6) and respondents with hypertension at 27.7% (95% CI: 24.3, 31.4). Multivariate analysis revealed that age of 60 years and above (aOR 1.51, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.06) and marriage (aOR 1.46, 95% CI: 1.16, 1.84) were significantly associated with IFG. The prevalence of IFG among Malaysian adults according to data obtained in 2019 was 22.6%, with an age of 60 and above and married being the associated factors. Policies need to be tailored for more vigorous screening among this group for prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications.

In 2020, about 87.61 percent of the population in Malaysia used a smartphone. This figure is further expected to grow in the next few years.

In 2020, **** percent of the Malaysian population professed to be of the Islamic faith. The second-largest religion in Malaysia in that year was Buddhism, adhered to by **** percent of the population.