Retiring at 60 – a pipe dream for many now?
By OON JUN-YANG
Nation
Wednesday, 10 Dec 2025

PETALING JAYA: Most Malaysians hope to retire comfortably by 60 – but it’s far easier said than done.

From balancing savings, supporting their children’s education, and caring for ageing parents, many are left wondering if their nest egg will be able to last their golden years.

The cost of living remains among the biggest concerns.

“There remains some uncertainty about whether my current savings will support me if I live a long life,” said insurance agent Vanessa Chiew, 51.

Caring for her father, who is currently 94, is another factor to be considered.

“My father’s care is another significant factor.

“Medical and caregiving bills can be expensive surprises, and can affect my retirement savings.”

To better prepare for retirement, Chiew said she also has bank savings and insurance plans on top of Employee Provident Fund (EPF) contributions.

“These are among the low-risk options that can (help me) preserve capital while providing a steady and reliable financial growth as I approach retirement,” she said.

Banking executive GK Lewis, 49, meanwhile hopes to retire by 55.

Lewis, however, noted that there’s no guarantee of being financially comfortable enough to retire as “anything could happen”.

“Providing care for my parents and supporting my children’s education are among the obligations I have to take into account when it comes to retirement planning.

“I will need to ensure I can handle both before retiring.

“Retirement is supposed to be a comfortable time, not a time to continue worrying about finances.”

He also highlighted the importance of investing in children by raising them with good values, which can affect financial security during retirement.

Some Malaysians, however, now consider it the norm to continue working late into their 60s, both as a means of ensuring a better future for their families and also to stay occupied.

“I have no plans of retiring yet although I am fairly confident about my current financial situation.

“Bank savings and EPF contributions are crucial for this as well,” said a 69-year-old company director who wanted to be known only as Sharifah.

A company owner who wanted to be known only as Anthony, 70, said he only plans to retire once he turns 80.

“My income is not salary-based so that is a big concern.

“I want to make sure my children, wife and extended family will have adequate support,” he said.

Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025...am-for-many-now

House loan 30 years, how to retire earlier?

According to epf data, most private sectors employees need to work until they are too weak to work.

Banks love you

Pay it off before the full 30 year tenure

Why father don't provide money for his own care?

I think banks loves most Malaysians

If not for the cheap house loan, expensive car loans and credit card is a norm.

just let it happen lar, agenda wef will come through



This post has been edited by H3artBreakKid: Dec 10 2025, 03:31 PM

House loan is cheap. Better keep money somewhere else.

According to /k parents mana can be charsiew

Don't you know? "Asian culture" means their retirement planning is "having kids (and hope they don't lose the genetic lottery)"

Just extend retirement age lah. Make it 63 first. Increase to 65 if needed

also lock epf money to 65yo only can withdraw all

Fair

Try that and see.....see what happen this coming GE

some mnc company oredi raised to 65 liao allowing them to work till that age... but i think it would be raised to 75 soon...

About 2/3 of people lose in their high yield/return investment.

house after 15 years also same price...
sell also just break even...

Why sell unless you’re upgrading? I bought my house probably for life already.

On paper, yes 30 but never walk along that line

This post has been edited by jojolicia: Dec 10 2025, 09:00 PM

Other than your wife, the rest shouldn't be your problem already. You already 70 your children still don't know support themselves ah?