BFM 89.9

HIGHLIGHTS 
Podcast  >  Bigger Picture  >  Beyond The Ballot Box  >  How to Overcome Malaysia’s Retirement Crisis

How to Overcome Malaysia’s Retirement Crisis

Geoffrey Williams, Economist

30-Jan-25 15:00

How to Overcome Malaysia’s Retirement Crisis

According to reports by Khazanah and EPF, most Malaysians do not have adequate retirement savings. As of 2024, only 36% of EPF members meet the current basic savings level of 240 000 at age 55. And that’s just basic savings that will allow you to survive from month to month for about 15 years post-retirement. 

So, are we in a retirement crisis? And what can we do about it?

We speak to Geoffrey Williams, who's an economist.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • What are the markers that indicate that Malaysia is undergoing a retirement crisis.

  • The key factors driving the retirement crisis.

  • Impact of the crisis towards individuals on the ground and overall health of the economy.

  • The disparity between ethnic/racial communities and within, when it comes to retirement savings and what that tells us.

  • What can Malaysia learn from other countries in the region who are facing similar challenges.

  • A case for universal basic income, by a market economist.

Produced by: Dashran Yohan

Presented by: Dashran Yohan


This and more than 60,000 other podcasts in your hand. Download the all new BFM mobile app.

Categories:  economypoliticsgovernment

Tags:  retirement crisisretirementretirement savingsepfuniversal basic income





Play / Pause

Listen now : Enterprise Explores: MVCA’s Ng Sai Kit reviews a turbulent 2025, from the...

Today’s Shows



6:00 AM

The 6AM Stretch

Thought-provoking discussions on ideas, people and events shaping our lives.

7:00 AM

World Market Watch

Laurent Lequeu, Independent Market Analyst & Writer, The Macro Butler Newsletter tells us where international markets are heading.

7:15 AM

Morning Brief

We recap global and local headlines from today's papers and portals.

7:30 AM

Morning Brief

Selena Ling, Chief Economist, OCBC Bank gives us an outlook for Singapore's economy in 2026.

7:45 AM

Morning Brief

Dr. Geoffrey Williams, Economist, discusses the cost of living situation and whether government schemes such as Sara and Budi95 have helped alleviate the burden.

8:00 AM

The Breakfast Grille

Edward Koh, Executive Director, Polymer Link Bhd discusses the company's listing on Bursa's ACE Market, plans for expansion, its niche in the market, and more.

8:30 AM

Morning Brief

Donal Crotty, Chairman of Eurocham Malaysia discusses the outlook for Malaysia-EU trade.

8:45 AM

Morning Brief

(REPEAT) Dr. Geoffrey Williams, Economist, discusses the cost of living situation and whether government schemes such as Sara and Budi95 have helped alleviate the burden.

9:00 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Laurent Lequeu, Independent Market Analyst & Writer, The Macro Butler Newsletter tells us where international markets are heading.

9:15 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Selena Ling, Chief Economist, OCBC Bank gives us an outlook for Singapore's economy in 2026.

9:35 AM

What's The Focus

We wrap up the week’s biggest conversations to keep you in the know.

10:05 AM

Open For Business

Paul Dass, Managing Director of Green Street Farms, on what it means to grow food with care in the heart of a city.

11:00 AM

Mattsplained

Matt Armitage, Founder, Kulturpop

12:00 PM

Enterprise Explores

MVCA’s Ng Sai Kit reviews a turbulent 2025, from the eFishery fraud shock to the rollout of Jelawang Capital. He explains the association’s rebrand and whether the VC model remains viable in a market struggling for exits.

1:00 PM

The Breakfast Grille Repeat

Edward Koh, Executive Director, Polymer Link Bhd discusses the company's listing on Bursa's ACE Market, plans for expansion, its niche in the market, and more.

2:05 PM

Discovery Hour

An eclectic selection of BBC shows, curated with variety in mind.

3:05 PM

Front Row

Set after a devastating flood, Lorong Cermin explores family, memory, and rebuilding. We speak to Elysa Lee and Ong Xiao Wen about bringing this original musical to life.

3:25 PM

Front Row

Tali Tukang Gantung brings real stories from Malaysia’s death penalty system to the stage. We speak with performer Deena Dakshini and producer Janice Ananthan from ADPAN.

4:05 PM

Health & Living

Earlier this week, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was hospitalised after a fall. Why are falls dangerous for our seniors and how can we prevent them from happening in the home?

5:00 PM

Top 5 at 5

A countdown of the 5 biggest stories of the day, to catch you up on all you need to know!

6:00 PM

Popcorn Culture

7:00 PM

Just For Kicks

8:00 PM

Bar None

9:00 PM

The Selector