Kuala lumpur: The rising number of older Malaysians remaining in the workforce is highlighting gaps in retirement readiness, prompting renewed focus on the need to strengthen support systems in an ageing society. Across the country, more individuals aged 60 and above are staying economically active, with some choosing to remain engaged while many continue working due to financial consideration. According to BERNAMA News Agency, this trend reflects a changing landscape where retirement is no longer a fixed endpoint, but an increasingly uncertain phase shaped by both opportunity and constraint. Universiti Malaysia Kelantan Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International) Prof Datuk Dr Nik Maheran Nik Muhammad said insufficient savings remain a key factor, particularly among those who spent their careers in informal sectors. She noted that most older Malaysians continue working because they need the income, not just to stay active, emphasizing that continuing to work is a necessity for many. Malaysia is alr eady transitioning into an ageing society, with those aged 60 and above expected to make up about 15 per cent of the population by 2030, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). As of September 2025, a total of 310,100 elderly contributors were still actively contributing under the Self-Employment Social Security Act, reflecting the growing participation of older individuals in the workforce. In the context of this year's Labour Day theme, 'Pekerja MADANI, Kesuma Bangsa', the continued participation of older Malaysians in the workforce highlights the enduring value of their experience, while also underscoring the need for stronger retirement support. Nik Maheran identified gaps in retirement readiness, including inadequate savings under the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), uneven income levels among retirees, and limited protection for those in informal employment. Meanwhile, Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia (ISIS Malaysia) Economics, Trade and Regional Integration Division director Calvin Cheng said the rise of the 'silver workforce' is also shaped by broader structural shifts in the labour market. He observed similarities between older workers and gig economy workers in terms of income flexibility and exposure to weaker protections. Cheng noted that many older workers end up in gig or precarious informal work, and that this mirrors the earlier career paths of today's necessity-driven older workers. He explained that stable, quality employment is declining, making it challenging for many workers to maintain a decent standard of living for retirement. On existing frameworks, Cheng indicated that Malaysia's social protection system, including the EPF, Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) schemes, and the Employment Insurance System, is relatively well-developed by regional standards. However, he pointed out gaps in both coverage and adequacy, as protections are largely tied to formal employment, leaving close to half of Malaysia's workforce without meaningful coverag e. Looking ahead, Cheng stated that demographic ageing is inevitable and presents an opportunity to better support and harness the contribution of older workers. He emphasized that strengthening retirement security and workplace inclusivity will be key to ensuring that older Malaysians can continue contributing meaningfully while also having the option to retire with dignity.