13MP To Advance Social Mobility, Well-being For Vulnerable Groups

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), released by the Ministry of Economy today, outlines targeted initiatives to improve social mobility and well-being among vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities (PWDs), children and youth.

To promote inclusivity in public employment, the government has set a target of at least one per cent PWD participation in the civil service by 2030. The Supported Employment Programme will also be expanded in partnership with the private sector to provide industrial training placements, enabling PWDs to build skills and generate income.

Public infrastructure will be made more accessible through the enforcement of the Universal Design Planning Guidelines. A standardised star-rating system for local authorities will also be introduced to improve and monitor compliance.

For children, the 13MP outlines comprehensive measures across governance, nutrition, education and social protection to ensure they grow up healthy, safe and with dignity.

The First 1,000 Days of Life initiative will be strengthened to support early physical and cognitive development, while implementation of the National Strategic Plan to Combat Child Malnutrition 2023–2030 will be intensified.

Child protection against neglect, exploitation and abuse will be reinforced through enforcement of the Online Safety Act 2024 (Act 854), along with the introduction of policies such as age limits for gadget usage to safeguard mental and emotional well-being.

Legal protections will also be enhanced through amendments to the Child Witness Evidence Act 2007 (Act 676), which will come into effect in March 2025. The new National Child Policy, launched in November 2024, ensures that children's voices are considered in decisions that affect their future.

Youth empowerment is another key focus, with programmes such as the Youth Trust Fund, micro-credential training and the Jejak Belia platform aimed at building skills and financial resilience, especially in strategic sectors such as the digital, green and circular economies.

To encourage long-term savings and investment, the Youth Trust Fund will promote financial literacy and planning. Integrated financing options, including flexible-interest schemes for first-time home buyers, will also be explored.

A mandatory paid internship scheme will be introduced to improve graduate outcomes and increase participation by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The 13MP builds on progress made under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), which recorded a marginal increase in PWD participation in the public service from 0.29 per cent in 2020 to 0.31 per cent in 2024.

For children, the introduction of a new child policy and legal reforms represent significant milestones in strengthening institutional safeguards.

Malaysia’s Youth Index score also rose to 73.59 in 2025, from 68.30 in 2020, reflecting the positive impact of the Youth Socioeconomic Empowerment Plan 2030 in improving the quality of life for young people.

-- BERNAMA