PUTRAJAYA: The number of care workers is expected to go up in view of Malaysia’s status as an ageing society in 2030, says the Women, Family and Community Development Minister.
Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the ministry had trained 655 people since 2018 with this year’s target set at 385.
“We will discuss if we need more because the private sector wants to participate as well. Perhaps they can function in a similar way as our institution in training them,” she told reporters after launching the Care Industry Action Plan Development Lab in Malaysia here yesterday.
Nancy said the ministry aimed to make elder care a professional career.
On care workers’ training, she said the programmes would cover technical skills and academic modules.
There would be a balanced approach to ensure their effectiveness as caregivers, she said.
“They need to take up modules at university so that their training is not just technical, but also involves theory, which means they understand what they are doing.
“Currently, we will enhance their knowledge up to the diploma level,” she said.
To protect senior citizens, other vulnerable groups and care workers, Nancy said the ministry would review laws on care worker practices to determine whether amendments were needed.
“The ministry will re-examine certain Acts that involve care such as the Child Care Centre Act 1984 and the Care Centres Act 1993, which are both over 30 years old,” she said.
She also said that the Care Industry Action Plan was expected to be completed by July.
Currently, she said the ministry together with stakeholders and industry players would continue to engage each other through the Development Lab, a platform for them to air concerns and suggestions regarding the Care Industry Action Plan.
Malaysia is expected to transition to the status of ageing nation in 2030 when 15.3% of its population is expected to be aged 60 and above.
