All districts in northern Malaysia now classified as ageing

New data from DOSM shows contrasts in age distribution, from younger populations in parts of Kelantan to higher shares of older residents in Sarawak.

All districts in Northern Malaysia have been classified as ageing in 2025, where the population aged 65 years and above has reached 7% or more.

according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), the 10 new ageing districts are Seremban in Negeri Sembilan, Jerantut and Kuantan in Pahang, Kluang and Pontian in Johor, Bachok in Kelantan, Subis in Sarawak, Alor Gajah in Melaka, Keningau in Sabah, and Seberang Perai Selatan in Pulau Pinang.

As a result, all districts in Northern Malaysia are now considered ageing districts.

Population and growth

Petaling in Selangor recorded the highest population in 2025 at 2.4mn people, followed by Johor Bahru, Johor at 1.8mn and Ulu Langat, Selangor at 1.5mn.

Kecil Lojing in Kelantan recorded the highest population growth rate at 3.6%, followed by Marang, Terengganu at 1.6% and Kemaman, Terengganu at 1.4%. Bukit Mabong in Sarawak recorded the smallest population at 10,700, followed by Song at 10,400 and Tanjung Manis, also in Sarawak at 7,900.

Age distribution

Three districts in Kelantan recorded the highest proportion of young residents aged 0 to 14 years in 2025: Gua Musang (32.4%), Kecil Lojing (31.9%), and Tumpat (31.6%).

Sebauh in Sarawak recorded the largest share of working-age residents (15 to 64 years) at 80%, followed by Belaga, Sarawak (78.8%) and Kinabatangan, Sabah (78.4%).

Lubok Antu in Sarawak recorded the highest proportion of residents aged 65 years and above at 15.7%.

Median age and dependency ratios

Lubok Antu also recorded the highest median age at 38.8 years, followed by Saratok (38.1 years) and Kabong (35.8 years), all located in Sarawak.

Tumpat, Kelantan reported the highest total dependency ratio at 64.1 and the highest young age dependency ratio at 51.9. The highest old age dependency ratio was recorded in Lubok Antu at 23.6.

Gender balance and population density

Females outnumbered males in thirteen districts. These include:

Perak: Muallim (92 males for every 100 females)
Kelantan: Bachok (94), Pasir Puteh (98), Tumpat (98), and Machang (99)
Sarawak: Samarahan (94), Song (96), Saratok (97), Julau (98), Kanowit (99), Maradong (99), and Bukit Mabong (152), and Belaga (131)
Kedah: Kubang Pasu (97) and Kota Setar (99)

Cameron Highlands in Pahang recorded the highest sex ratio in 2025 with 153 males for every 100 females, followed by Bukit Mabong (152) and Belaga (131), both in Sarawak.

Petaling, Selangor recorded the highest population density with 4,858 persons per square kilometre, followed by Timur Laut, Pulau Pinang (4,748 persons) and Seberang Perai Tengah, Pulau Pinang (1,895 persons).

Images / DOSM Facebook