RECENTLY, the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) disclosed that life expectancy at birth in our country had increased to an average of 75.3 years in 2025, with females longer at 77.9 years compared to males at 73.1 years.
The above figures are the average for the whole country and could vary in different states, territories, districts or communities. For example, the highest were recorded in Selangor, Sarawak, Kuala Lumpur and Labuan, while the lowest was in Terengganu.
Amazingly, Samarahan in Sarawak has the highest district life expectancy of 80.9 years. Conversely, the lowest district life expectancy was in Kecil Lojing in Kelantan at 63.6 years, followed by Kuala Penyu in Sabah and Kanowit in Sarawak, both at 66.5 years.
Life expectancy at birth was highest for males in Kinabatangan in Sabah (79.8 years) and females in Telupid, also in Sabah (82.8 years).
The Chinese community for males and females combined continued to register the highest life expectancy in the country at 77.3 years, and the Indians lowest at 71.8 years.
Incidentally, Timur Laut in Penang recorded the highest composition of Chinese at 63.5% followed by Sibu in Sarawak at 48% and Kampar in Perak at 47.7%.
Bagan Datuk in Perak recorded the highest composition of Indians at 23.1%, followed by Klang in Selangor at 18.6%, and Port Dickson in Negeri Sembilan at 18.2%.
Except for Timur Laut, Bumiputeras exceed 50% throughout the country. In any case, it would be wrong to think that Malaysians who are alive now will live to an average of 75.3 years, as life expectancy is applicable at birth, meaning for babies born this year, they are expected to live to an average age of 75.3 years.
This could mean that about half will die before they reach 75.3-years-old, and another half will continue to live beyond their life expectancy.
For example, the life expectancy for those born here in 1950 was only 52.8 years and many have already died, while others who are 75-years-old. like me, are still alive and grateful for each day.
Life expectancy is an estimate on the average number of years a person is expected to live at the time of birth.
Lifespan depends on factors such as genetics, luck and environment, and also lifestyle choices such as good habits, healthy diet, regular exercise, enough rest, being prudent, practising safety, and avoiding confrontations.
DOSM has also released another interesting data. Malaysian males who are 15-years-old now are expected to live until they are 73.8 years of age, and those who are 60-years-old now will live until 78.8 years.
Meanwhile, the life expectancy of 15-year-old females now is 78.6 years, and 60-years-old females now is 81.6 years. ‒ Oct 3, 2025
YS Chan is master trainer for Mesra Malaysia and Travel and Tours Enhancement Course and an Asean Tourism Master Trainer. He is also a tourism and transport business consultant.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main image: HR Asia
