Life is unpredictable, and while no one can escape the inevitability of death, the length and quality of each person’s life can vary widely.
Some live long, healthy lives, while others are taken far too soon due to illness, accidents, or unexpected events.
These differences are influenced by a variety of factors, including access to healthcare, living conditions, and even the region where one resides.
Selangor expected to have the longest life expectancy in M’sia
In Malaysia, recent data sheds light on how these factors have shaped life expectancy across the country.
According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), life expectancy trends, disrupted by the pandemic, are beginning to recover.
The latest Jadual Hayat Ringkas Malaysia 2022-2024 report reveals that while the country saw a drop in life expectancy during the pandemic, regions like Selangor, Labuan, and Kuala Lumpur are expected to bounce back and lead the nation by 2024.
Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr. Mohd. Uzir Mahidin highlighted that while life expectancy dropped during the pandemic, improvements in healthcare and reduced mortality rates in 2023 and 2024 are expected to result in a significant rebound.
Key Life Expectancy Figures and Projections (2022-2024):
- Overall Life Expectancy at Birth:
- In 2024, life expectancy at birth is expected to increase by 1.2 years, driven by a decline in death rates compared to the pandemic years of 2021 and 2022.
- Regions with the Highest Life Expectancy (2024):
- Selangor: Petaling district is projected to lead with the highest life expectancy at 80.2 years.
- Labuan and Kuala Lumpur are also expected to surpass the national average life expectancy.
- Historical Highs (2022-2023):
- Samarahan, Sarawak: Recorded the highest life expectancy in 2023 at 79.6 years, and in 2022 at 79.5 years.
- Lowest Life Expectancy (2022-2024):
- Kuala Penyu, Sabah: Identified as the district with the lowest life expectancy during this period.
- Average Life Expectancy for Babies Born in 2024:
- Babies born in 2024 are expected to live an average of 75.2 years, with female babies living 4.8 years longer than male babies.
- Life Expectancy Growth Before and After the Pandemic:
- From 2014 to 2019, life expectancy increased by 0.3 years, with males gaining 0.1 years and females 0.4 years.
- However, during the pandemic (2020-2022), life expectancy decreased by 0.9 years—with men seeing a 1.0-year decline and women 0.8 years.
