KUALA LUMPUR: The government is stepping up efforts to professionalise caregiving through structured training, certification and career development as Malaysia prepares for an ageing population.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the move would help build a skilled caregiving workforce and strengthen career pathways in the sector.
"These efforts will also strengthen career and Technical and Vocational Education and Training pathways in the care sector, so that caregiving is no longer viewed merely as informal work, but as a profession requiring competency, skills, certification and continuous professional development," she said in response to a question from Dr Halimah Ali (PN-Kapar) in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Nancy said RM3 million had been allocated this year to train 2,000 elderly caregivers, while the government aimed to increase the number of skilled caregivers to 50,000 by 2030 under the 13th Malaysia Plan.
Another RM5 million had been allocated this year to develop national care standards covering home-based, institutional and community care services, including training, certification and monitoring.
The initiatives are part of the Malaysia Care Strategic Framework and Action Plan 2026–2030, which aims to develop an inclusive, professional and sustainable care ecosystem.
Nancy said the government currently saw no need to establish a dedicated department for senior citizens, as its functions could overlap with the ministry's existing responsibilities.
She said the ministry already oversaw the welfare of senior citizens, women, children, persons with disabilities and the homeless.
However, she acknowledged growing concerns over the ageing population, adding that consultations with stakeholders were ongoing to finalise the proposed Senior Citizens Bill before it was tabled in Parliament.
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