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A discussion on Reddit has sparked conversation about the challenges older Malaysians face in finding work later in life, after one user shared that his father had lost most of his retirement savings to a scam
In the post on r/Bolehland, the user said his father, who is in his 60s, is now looking for ways to earn around RM2,000 a month to cover essentials such as food, medical insurance, and household expenses.
He explained that his father had run his own shop for more than 20 years but had little experience outside of that line of work. He also said his father struggles with smartphones and computers, limiting his options in today's increasingly digital job market.
The user added that his father had tried driving for Grab, but found the work physically exhausting and difficult due to heavy competition.
"What do people his age do for work?" he asked.
The post drew a wide range of responses from other Malaysians, many sharing observations about how older people in their communities continue working after retirement age
Several said many senior citizens they know work in food and beverage outlets, taking up roles such as cooks, kitchen helpers, or servers at restaurants and kopitiams.
Others mentioned jobs that require less technical know-how, including parking attendants, security guards, and petrol station workers.
Some still recommended e-hailing or delivery jobs through platforms like Grab and Shopee, noting the flexible hours. However, others pointed out that such jobs can be physically demanding, especially for older workers.
Zakaria Abdul Wahab, known as Atok Grab, recently went viral for working as a food delivery rider at 71.
Image via New Straits TimesAlternative suggestions included more specialised driving services, such as transporting schoolchildren or office workers within neighbourhoods, as well as babysitting, pet sitting, and caregiving.
Some users encouraged the man to consider whether his father had practical trade skills that could still be monetised, such as plumbing, electrical repairs, or general maintenance.
"People are really willing to throw money for fixing simple stuff like plug points and broken pipes. Good money if you market well," a netizen suggested.
Others suggested drawing on existing life experience instead of starting over completely
One person asked whether the father could restart a smaller version of the business he had previously operated.
Another user shared that their own father, now 64, still earns money by offering training and consultancy based on his professional expertise, while another said they had helped set up a travel business for their father to work as a tour guide.
The thread also resonated with Malaysians approaching retirement themselves, with one commenter saying the discussion struck a nerve as they worried about staying employable as they grew older
Malaysia is expected to become an ageing nation by 2030, with 15% of the population projected to be aged 60 and above, according to the National Population and Family Development Board.
The conversation reflects a broader concern among Malaysians about financial security in retirement, particularly as scams continue to target older individuals and many find themselves needing to re-enter the workforce later in life.
