MALAYSIA'S CAPITAL KUALA LUMPUR TO BECOME AN AGEING CITY BY 2040 - START BUILDING HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY, CALLS MASTERPLAN

Written by Politics Now!

KUALA LUMPUR (Politics Now!) -  Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur, is set to become an ageing city by 2040, according to the Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2040.

The plan codenamed KLSP2040 also projects that the city, which has a population of about 2 million, will be in need of special housing for the elderly.

According to its forecast, the population of elderly will reach 17.3% in 2040, compared to 9.2% in 2025.

The plan said that homes built specifically for the elderly should include retirement homes for independent living, retirement homes with medical assistance, and nursing homes.

“The provision of facilities specifically for the elderly allows them to live independently. However, the viability of retirement residences with medical assistance in residential areas requires an in-depth study,” national news agency Bernama was reported as saying.

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The plan recommended that these special homes be sold, leased or rented to the elderly, and the houses be built in residential or commercial zones, depending on their suitability.

It also recommended that residential areas hosting sizable retirement communities furnish appropriate social spaces and public facilities to cater to the needs of the elderly.

In addition, retirement homes need to be equipped with facilities that account for the fundamental principles of universal design, such as elderly-friendly equipment, including emergency and safety warning devices, it said.

KLSP2040 also said Kuala Lumpur City Hall must offer comprehensive guidelines for the planning and construction of nursing homes for the elderly, in line with directives issued by the relevant agencies.

“Cooperation from higher education institutions, professional bodies and NGOs is also encouraged to aid the development of these facilities,” it said. 

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