Participants learning about exercises for the elderly during the workshop in Petaling Jaya. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star
MORE Malaysians are now caring for their elderly parents, but many may not be familiar with the dos and don’ts of caregiving.
Lecturer Kalpana Das, who was among participants at a workshop on senior care in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, said it was eye-opening to learn from the experts.
The caregiver for her 83-year-old mother, who is a stroke survivor, said, “I learned about the importance of oral care, medication management and caregiving techniques.”
The free workshop is part of ongoing efforts by Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) to strengthen elderly care and empower the community towards making the city caring, inclusive and age-friendly.
Petaling Jaya mayor Datuk Mohamad Zahri Samingon said as of January 2025, Petaling Jaya had a population of 823,794, with a society that is increasingly ageing.
“The percentage of senior citizens aged 65 and above has risen from 7.5% in 2020 to 12.6% in 2025.
“This trend demands provision of a more age-friendly and supportive urban environment so that senior citizens can continue to live actively and prosperously within their communities.”
Mohamad Zahri added that MBPJ’s commitment to the well-being of senior citizens was also reflected in the implementation of the Petaling Jaya Care Economy Action Plan 2025-2030
The plan, launched in early October 2025 in conjunction with Selangor International Care Summit 2025, is in line with the state’s care economy policy.
The Selangor State Care Policy (DEPNS) 2024-2030 recognises the care sector not only as a social responsibility, but also as a catalyst for new economic growth.
The mayor said the action plan focused on developing a professional workforce, continuous training and forming responsive community care networks.
Through the plan, he said MBPJ aimed to build a comprehensive care ecosystem that connected professional caregivers, family caregivers, healthcare institutions and local communities, ensuring that no senior citizen is left behind in receiving appropriate support.
He said Petaling Jaya, as a mature city with a population density of 8,311 people per sq km, bore significant social responsibility in the matter.
“Currently, there are more than 70 senior citizens’ homes throughout the city, in addition to hundreds of childcare centres, facilities for persons with disabilities and welfare institutions.
“This situation demonstrates that the care sector in Petaling Jaya is active, important and among the contributors to the city’s economy,” he said.
