Malaysia's 'Ghost Towns': Aging Population and Economic Decline, Revived During Hari Raya Aidilfitri
The text describes how rural and suburban areas in Malaysia experience a significant increase in population during festivals like Hari Raya Aidilfitri, as younger residents return home.
However, these towns become "ghost towns" during non-festival days and school holidays due to the absence of economic drivers and job opportunities, leading to an aging population.
MyAgeing senior research officer Chai Sen Tyng explains that this trend is a major factor contributing to the stagnation of these towns.
The text describes the economic struggle in rural areas during weekdays, with residents looking forward to weekend visitors for a small economic boost.
According to the 2020 MyCensus data, the number of sub-districts with an aged population (14% or more aged 65 and above) has more than doubled in the past 10 years.
In total, there are now 150 such sub-districts, with 41 of these areas classified as "super-aged" societies (20% or more aged 65 and above).
In 2010, there were 57 aged and 15 super-aged sub-districts in Malaysia.
The National Land Code (Act 828) categorizes these areas as mukim, bandar, and pekan.
In total, there are 1,730 of these areas in the 13 states on the Peninsular Malaysia, with 1,065 being mukim, 260 as bandar, and 405 as pekan.