Malaysia Unveils Strategic Plan 2026-2030 To Empower Care Economy - Nancy

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia Care Strategic Framework and Action Plan 2026-2030 was launched today to ensure an inclusive and sustainable care economy ecosystem that supports the well-being of people across all age groups.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the national roadmap aims to empower a more structured and resilient care system in the country.

She emphasised that strong partnerships between the government, private sector and international organisations are vital to advancing Malaysia’s care economy agenda.

“Our strategic partners, including the Australian government, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Kiddocare and Asyikin Holdings, play a key role in supporting this initiative.

“This reflects their confidence in Malaysia’s capability to lead this initiative at the regional and global levels,” she told reporters after officiating The New Frontiers in the Care Economy Conference (CARECON) and launching the strategic plan here today.

Also present were UN Women Regional Director Christine Arab, UNICEF Representative to Malaysia and Brunei Robert Gass, UNDP Resident Representative to Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Edward Vrkirc and Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia Danielle Heinecke.

United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Executive Secretary Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana and ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn also delivered their remarks via video message.

Elaborating, Nancy said the strategic plan is built upon five key pillars, namely strong governance, career pathways, advocacy, strategic collaboration and the promotion of research, data and technology.

She said the plan also highlights the importance of career protection and development for professional caregivers, ensuring better job security and safety, while recognising caregivers not only for the elderly but also for children and persons with disabilities.

“Without this framework, it would be difficult to implement programmes in an organised and consistent way. It serves as a guide for all stakeholders to build a professional and protected caregiving workforce.

“We want caregivers to have clear career pathways, job security and confidence to continue serving with professionalism, rather than working without direction or protection,” she added.

Nancy said Malaysia will also study international best practices to strengthen the plan, while adapting them to local contexts.

“We can use other countries as benchmarks, but not everything can be adopted due to differences in culture, demographics and laws. We will take what suits us best, while aligning with our values and faith,” she said.

She added that the ministry has already begun internal initiatives since last year to train caregivers under its supervision, in line with the government’s goal of increasing the number of skilled caregivers to 50,000 by 2030 under the 13th Malaysia Plan.

CARECON is being held from Nov 4 to 6 in conjunction with the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, with participation from over 200 delegates from ASEAN member states.

-- BERNAMA