THE Selangor government has launched its Selangor Care Economy Policy that will look into aspects of elderly care, childcare, people with disabilities as well as strengthen support for formal and informal caregiver communities.
"The policy will comprise five pillars - advocacy and promotion, governance and regulation, trained caregivers and workforce, investment and collaboration as well as innovation, technology and data," said Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, adding that the policy would be in effect until 2030.
"In a state where a large number of parents are highly educated and pursuing professional fields, sustainable solutions for childcare services are urgently needed while ensuring they are not costly.
"This policy will include the role of state agencies and local authorities to facilitate the training and recognition process of informal caregivers, especially those who care for children and elderly at home or care centres."
He said the policy and a standing committee, chaired by Taman Templer assemblyman Anfaal Saari, were necessary as preparations were needed to address an ageing state, with 8.1% of Selangor's population comprising those aged 65 and above.
"The three districts in Selangor with the highest percentage of elderly people are Kuala Selangor, Sepang and Hulu Langat," said Amirudin.
"According to the Statistics Department, in 1970, only 5.5% of the Malaysian population was aged 60 and above, while the total population aged 14 and below was 44.5%.
"In 2024, the population of children aged 14 and below has decreased to 22.2%, while the rate of the elderly population over the age of 60 has increased to 11.6%."
He said a Selangor Care Economy Summit would be held next year and involve experts in elderly care, childcare, nutrition and other stakeholders to ensure those involved in the care economy were recognised for their important roles.
Prior to the policy, Amirudin said Selangor had also organised initiatives such as the Impak programme that provided free basic training to some 900 informal caregivers at childcare centres and Mama Kerja, offering incentives for working mothers to send their children to childcare centres.
"There is a Special Committee for Improvements of Care Services that was established as part of the policy's governance and regulation pillar," said Selangor women empowerment and welfare committee chairman Anfaal.
"This committee, chaired by Subang Jaya assemblyman Michelle Ng, will look into laws related to care services.
"This includes improving or establishing related bylaws, guidelines or enactments at the local or state government level."
Anfaal said some aspects to be looked into include the licensing and registration of daycare centres and pay structures for caregivers.
Amirudin launched the Selangor Care Economy Policy on the sidelines of the Selangor State Assembly sitting at Wisma Dewan Negeri Selangor, Shah Alam.
