KUCHING: The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development is enhancing efforts to promote the care industry as a pillar of economic growth and social well-being.
“The care industry requires attention from industry players and policymakers,” said Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Syukri, pointing out that Malaysia will become an ageing nation, with 15.3 per cent or approximately 5.8 million of the population aged 60 and above.
“However, the industry is not limited to the elderly, but also for children and people with disabilities (OKU), and according to the Care Industry Action Plan Development Workshop, about 7, 979, 747 people in Malaysia require care,” she said at the closing of the Care Industry Promotion and Advocacy Programme here Sunday (Nov 10).
Additionally, Nancy emphasised that the ministry is currently developing an Action Plan for the Care Industry, reflecting the ministry’s seriousness about the care industry.
“To ensure that we have enough caregivers and adequate facilities, the ministry is developing an action plan related to the care industry.
“Previously, the Department of Social Welfare held a roadshow throughout Malaysia, where 250 participants attended the programme as a collective endeavour to help the society,” she said.
She stated that the need for skilled caregivers will grow, and it is essential to collaborate with the ministry to ensure those who require care will be cared for by trained future caregivers.
“All parties, especially industry players, must collaborate with the ministry to provide quality training aligned with the established curricula and encourage young people to pursue caregiving as a career,” Nancy said.
There are 6,116 skilled caregivers in the Care and Community Service Sector, a figure far below the 22,000 required by 2030.
However, the 2024 target of 385 trained caregivers has been achieved, but these caregivers’ qualifications are certified at Level 4, and Nancy hoped they will elevate their qualifications to at least a diploma level.
“And with these collaborations, programmes and advocacies like these are expected to raise awareness and increase the number of skilled caregivers in Malaysia,” she said.
Sshe also said that the ministry recognises that advancing the care industry in Malaysia requires support to identify the needs and improve care-related issues.
“The ministry welcomes collaboration from ministries, government departments, higher education institutions, private sectors, non-governmental organisations, experts, and skilled individuals to identify the needs and improve care-related issues through a whole of government and whole of society approach.
“This collaboration is essential, especially in developing comprehensive policies and strategies aligned with the market demands and future care needs,” she added.
