KUCHING: Sarawak is expected to become an ageing society by 2028 as its younger population continues to shrink and the number of dependants rises, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
She said the state’s population was estimated at 2.45 million in 2024, with 19.6 per cent aged up to 14, 71.2 per cent between 15 and 64, and 9.2 per cent aged 65 and above.
“The state is entering an important demographic transition, moving from a population structure with higher birth rates towards a society with lower fertility and longer life expectancy,” she said when speaking at the state-level World Population Day 2026 celebration at Dewan Tan Sri Aziz, i-CATS University College’s Stampin campus here today (Sept 7).
Sarawak’s working-age population is projected to grow at a slower rate of about 0.76 per cent annually before eventually levelling off.
In contrast, its dependent population is expected to increase by 1.06 per cent annually from 2020 to 2040 and 0.95 per cent between 2040 and 2060.
Nancy said the rising dependency ratio could place greater pressure on the working-age population while increasing demand for healthcare, social care and public spending.
She added that Sarawak must use the remaining demographic window to invest in health and education while strengthening its economy, institutions and families.
Encouraging healthy ageing, she said, would also allow older people to remain active and continue contributing to the economy.
Meanwhile, preliminary findings from a public opinion survey conducted in conjunction with World Population Day 2026 showed that young Sarawakians prioritised securing good and stable employment at 68.3 per cent, followed by having sufficient savings at 66.7 per cent and owning their dream home at 63.3 per cent.
Getting married and starting a family was listed by 46.7 per cent, with Nancy saying young people still wanted families but needed manageable living costs, suitable employment opportunities, family support and a healthy work-life balance.
“The choices they make in terms of careers, marriage and having children will not only determine the direction of their own lives, but also shape Sarawak’s future social, economic and demographic landscape,” she said.
