PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s RM40mil initiative to train people for the care sector is a step towards addressing the country’s growing demand for caregivers, but experts say training must be matched by recognised standards, practical experience and better career prospects.
The Madani Professional Caregivers Skills initiative, announced under Budget 2027, aims to benefit 8,000 participants, including school-leavers, TVET graduates, homemakers and job seekers.
The programme covers elderly care, infant and childcare, care for persons with disabilities and postnatal care, with training costs, attendance allowances and training kits provided.
Under the 13th Malaysia Plan, the country aims to build a workforce of 50,000 skilled caregivers by 2030, up from a reported baseline of 43,000 in 2024.
Malaysia Coalition on Ageing president Cheah Tuck Wing said the initiative was a welcome move, but training more people alone would not resolve the sector’s workforce challenges.
“Malaysia faces a shortage of trained caregivers, with care providers struggling to recruit and retain workers amid low wages, demanding working conditions and limited career progression,” he said in an interview.
“Caregiving is also often treated as an informal family responsibility, frequently falling on women who may have to reduce their working hours or leave their jobs to care for elderly relatives.
“Training more caregivers is important, but we must also ensure they can find jobs, earn a decent living and build a career in this sector.”
He said caregivers were often paid about RM1,700 a month, while those with a Malaysian Skills Certificate Level 3 (SKM3) could earn between RM2,000 and RM3,000, depending on their role and employer.
“These pay levels, coupled with limited opportunities for advancement, could make it difficult to attract people to the profession and encourage them to stay,” he said.
He called for closer collaboration between training providers and care operators to ensure courses met the sector’s needs and gave participants a clearer pathway into employment.
“There should be more consistent training standards and certification, as paid caregivers need the right knowledge and practical skills to care safely for people with different needs, including those with dementia or chronic illnesses,” he said.
Occupational therapist Prof Nathan Vytialingam, who is also president of the Malaysian Healthy Ageing Society, said caregiving involved more than helping older people and others in need with daily activities such as bathing, dressing and eating.
“Caregiving is not just about carrying out tasks. Caregivers must understand the person they are caring for, respect their rights and autonomy, and recognise that everyone’s needs are different,” he said.
He said caregivers also needed to recognise changes in a care recipient’s condition, understand the limits of their role and know when to seek help from healthcare professionals.
Nathan said training should include practical experience and competency assessments rather than rely solely on classroom lessons or demonstrations.
“Knowing the theory is not the same as being able to do the job safely. Caregivers need to demonstrate that they can carry out tasks properly, respond to emergencies and know when to refer a problem to a healthcare professional,” he said.
He called for more consistent training standards and recognised certification, along with opportunities for caregivers to develop specialised skills to meet different care needs.
