Is Malaysia’s Pension Scheme Sufficient to Secure the Quality of Life for the Elderly?

Authors

  • Isahaque Ali Social Work Section, School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia
  • Azlinda Azman Social Work Section, School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia
  • Zulkarnain A. Hatta Faculty of Social Science, Arts & Humanities, Lincoln University College
  • M. Rezaul Islam
  • A H M Belayeth Hussain Center for Research on Women & Gender (KANITA), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)

Abstract

The paper examined whether the current income provision for the elderly under Malaysia’s pension scheme is sufficient to maintain the standard of living of pensioners vis-à-vis increasing competitive market prices. It employed a quantitative research approach by using social survey and semi-structured face-to-face interviews schedule to collect the data. Data were collected from 200 pensioners in the state of Penang, Malaysia, using satisfaction for the Quality of Life (QOL) index. Results showed that the mean score of satisfaction for QOL was 2.58 (SD.694) and that the pension scheme was insufficient to maintain the standard of living of pensioners when compared with their total cost. The study suggested modifying the current public pension scheme to increase the benefits to provide a minimum standard of living of the elderly in Malaysia.

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Issue

Vol. 18 No. 2 (2020): Teaching Poverty in Social Work Classroom – Perspectives from Global South and Policy Implications

Section

Special Issue: "Teaching Poverty in Social Work Classroom"