Kuala lumpur: The Strategic Framework and Care Action Plan in Malaysia 2026-2030, currently being developed by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM), is now in its final stage of preparation. Its Minister, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, announced that various engagement sessions have been conducted to ensure the plan aligns with both the country’s current and future needs, in conjunction with the National Ageing Action Plan 2025-2045, which is also being drafted.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, one of the key areas that KPWKM will focus on is establishing an efficient and sustainable long-term care service ecosystem. Additionally, the ministry plans to launch the National Action Plan for Senior Citizens 2026-2030, which will include elements such as safety and protection, lifelong learning, and intergenerational engagement and cohesion. Nancy Shukri discussed these initiatives during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat, responding to a query from Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari (PH-Gombak) regarding the number of informal workers registered in the care economy sector and the ministry’s strategies for addressing an ageing population.
Nancy Shukri noted that there is currently no official data on care services provided by either formal or informal carers in the country. However, data collection on care services will be a core component of the Strategic Framework and Care Action Plan 2026-2030. She highlighted that KPWKM has recorded a total of 6,744 individuals holding the Malaysian Skills Certificate in Care and Community Services, while another 43,869 individuals possess professional skills in child care, indicating they are qualified to offer formal care services.
The minister also mentioned that official data identifying informal caregivers is available based on recipients of monthly assistance from the Social Welfare Department (JKM). The government, through JKM, provides monthly welfare assistance to individuals caring for bedridden or critically ill family members under the Bedridden Patient Assistance scheme. As of April 2025, the government has disbursed RM59.6 million to 31,138 recipients.