Putrajaya: The government is exploring the potential of the silver economy as a new growth driver to help the nation manage the socio-economic impact of becoming an ageing society by 2043, said Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib. She emphasized that the Economy Ministry, in collaboration with relevant ministries and agencies, may consider setting up a national council on ageing population to spearhead the development of the silver economy, as outlined in the National Ageing Blueprint (NAB) 2025-2045.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the NAB was presented at the National Economic Action Council meeting on February 12, 2025. The meeting agreed that 11 high-impact interventions involving various ministries and agencies should be implemented immediately to lay a strong foundation in facing population ageing. Deputy Minister Hanifah highlighted these plans while addressing the Dewan Rakyat during the oral question-and-answer session.

She was responding to a query from Tan Kok Wai (PH-Cheras), who inquired about strategic policies and interventions to position the ageing population as a catalyst for economic growth. Hanifah also assured the assembly that the effort to strengthen the nation’s readiness for demographic ageing will be included in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), which is scheduled to be tabled this week.

While she could not provide specific details at the moment, Hanifah expressed confidence that the 13MP presentation would offer more comprehensive information on this initiative.