PETALING JAYA: With Sarawak expected to reach ageing-state status by 2028, Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the National Ageing Action Plan 2025–2045 could not have come at a better time.
“We are looking forward to its implementation because Sarawak will reach ageing-state status earlier than the rest of the country.
“In fact, we are already preparing our own state-level action plan, similar to a blueprint, with research being conducted to study the state’s ageing profile,” she said.
Fatimah said 22,440 elderly persons now made up one of the largest categories of welfare recipients in Sarawak, out of a total of 57,011.
“The RM1.26bil allocation for elderly welfare, which includes RM180,000 for pocket money, socioeconomic assistance and activity centres, is very encouraging,” she said, noting that the current pocket money rate stands at RM600 per recipient.
She said the increased funding would enable more elderly people to benefit and strengthen the operations of activity centres for the elderly.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government is set to roll out the National Ageing Action Plan 2025–2045 to prepare Malaysia for an ageing population by 2043.
The plan will serve as a comprehensive strategy to strengthen the care economy, professionalise care work and enhance social solidarity.
It is expected to be launched during the Asean New Frontiers on Care Conference next month.
Anwar said preparations must start now to ensure the well-being of senior citizens.
“The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry (KPWKM) will offer Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses for care workers with an allocation of RM5mil.
“There will be a double tax deduction for companies sponsoring training for persons with disabilities to also include sponsorship of care worker training programmes recognised by KPWKM,” he said.
Anwar said allocations for elderly welfare had been increased to RM1.26bil, benefiting 180,000 people through pocket money, socioeconomic assistance and activity centres.
He added that about RM1.4bil in assistance would also be channelled to bedridden persons with chronic disabilities, those unable to work and recipients of the Disabled Workers’ Allowance.
Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing research officer Chai Sen Tyng said the government had put the spotlight on long-term care and he looked forward to efforts in training and registering care workers.
“The National Ageing Blueprint is a key reference document in the 13th Malaysia Plan, and we hope for its timely release by the Economy Ministry,” he said.
Chai added that the TVET courses should include a registration or certification mechanism to help professionalise the care industry.
Separately, Anwar said the government aimed to boost women’s participation in corporate leadership.
“As of Oct 1, 45% of publicly listed companies have met the 30% women board requirement, but eight companies still have no women board members.
“The Securities Commission will intensify efforts to promote women’s participation in corporate leadership,” he said.
He added that Bank Rakyat, Bank Simpanan Nasional, Mara and SME Bank would provide RM270mil in financing to support women entrepreneurs in micro, small and medium enterprises.
Anwar said the government would also defend the rights of 5,000 poor single mothers who need legal assistance.
