Selangor is set to introduce reskilling and retraining programmes for senior citizens to meet the state’s growing labour demand.
State women empowerment and welfare committee chairman Anfaal Saari said studies were currently underway to identify suitable jobs and payment schemes for these employees.
“We are also exploring incentives to encourage prospective employers – which may include local authorities – to hire senior citizens,” she said.
“This is part of our Silver Workforce Initiative, which will include various job-matching programmes for them.”
She said this during the Selangor State Assembly sitting at Bangunan Dewan Negeri Selangor in Shah Alam yesterday.
Elaborating, Anfaal noted that the state’s elderly population was expected to climb to 15% in the next five years, necessitating more support programmes.
She also pointed out that Selangor’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is 1.6 children a year, lower than the national average of 2.1.
She was responding to a question from Pua Pei Ling (PH-Bukit Lanjan) regarding initiatives to support the state’s expanding elderly population.
The state government, Anfaal said, was also looking at ways to enhance both care and financial assistance for senior citizens.
This involved formulating a model to help these individuals better manage their finances once their income stops.
“This is also to help them identify the minimum savings needed after retirement,” said Anfaal.
She noted that the majority of retirees currently had insufficient funds in their Employees Provident Fund (EPF) accounts.
In terms of care and support, she cited research indicating that some 60% of senior citizens in Selangor were being looked after by family members.
To support these caregivers, Anfaal said modules and training programmes were being drafted to equip them with the necessary skills to provide proper care.
Planned initiatives include introducing a micro-care programme and enhancing the Senior Citizens Activity Centres (Pawe), both aimed at improving mental and emotional support.
“More facilities such as respite hubs and libraries will also be built, where community programmes meant for senior citizens will be held,” Anfaal said.
“Besides doubling as a spot for socialisation, these premises can also be used for physical therapies and activities.”
