KUCHING: Malaysia is targeting the training of 50,000 professional caregivers to meet growing demand for skilled care involving senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PwDs), children and other groups requiring assistance.
According to Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, the target would cover a broad spectrum of caregiving needs rather than focusing solely on senior citizens.
“For the 50,000 target, it will be comprehensive. It will involve persons with disabilities, children, community management and senior citizens,” she told reporters at a press conference after officiating the Engagement Session on the Development of National Care Standards for Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) at Pullman Hotel here on Monday (Aug 24).
Nancy expressed confidence that the target could be achieved, saying the figure had been determined after taking into account the scope of caregiving needs.
“Before we set the target of 50,000, everything had already been calculated. Insya-Allah, we feel that we can achieve 50,000.”
For this year, the ministry is targeting 2,000 participants under its caregiver training initiative.
Nancy said earlier phases of the programme had largely involved those caring for senior citizens and persons with disabilities but its scope is being widened to develop a larger pool of professionally trained caregivers.
“The initiative is also intended to change perceptions surrounding caregiving should be recognised as skilled and professional work rather than merely an informal responsibility.
“The ministry has been expanding access to caregiver training beyond its own personnel, allowing individuals outside the Social Welfare Department to participate.”
She had earlier said the training could also be conducted in Sarawak, including Kuching and Miri, through cooperation with strategic partners such as universities and hospitals.
“Rather than establishing permanent training centres in every location, the programme can be mobilised according to demand, with the necessary expertise and training facilities provided through collaborating institutions.”
The expansion is expected to support the growing need for trained personnel capable of caring for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, children, and others requiring specialised assistance.
