KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia needs a more structured education and training system for elderly caregivers as its ageing population drives demand for professional care services.
The need was highlighted at the launch of a book outlining the Qualifications Framework and Education Standards for Elderly Caregivers, which aims to establish a systematic, competency-based training pathway for the sector.
The book was launched by Raja Permaisuri Perak Darul Ridzuan Tuanku Zara Salim at Universiti Malaya’s Faculty of Medicine on Oct 30.
National Council of Women’s Organisations Malaysia (NCWO) president Professor Emerita Tan Sri Dr Sharifah Hapsah Syed Hasan Shahabudin said developing a trained caregiving workforce was essential to improving care quality and increasing women’s participation in the labour market.
She said caregiving responsibilities often forced women to leave their jobs to care for children or ageing parents.
“With trained and professional caregivers, the burden of care can be reduced while creating more employment opportunities in the growing care sector,” she said.
She also stressed that caregiver education standards should address workers’ well-being, including mental health and adequate skills, to reduce the risk of burnout.
The framework introduces eight qualification levels, from Level 1 to Level 8, based on the Malaysian Qualifications Framework (MQF).
It provides guidance for higher education institutions, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) providers, industry players and relevant agencies to develop structured, competency-based training programmes.
The initiative comes as Malaysia’s ageing population grows, with 8 per cent of the population aged 65 and above in 2025, highlighting the need for skilled caregivers to ensure safe and quality elderly care.
The publication is a collaboration between Universiti Malaya’s Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Nursing, and NCWO, with support from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency and the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development.
It also supports the Malaysia Care Strategic Framework and Action Plan 2026-2030, particularly Strategic Thrust 2 on Competency and Career Pathways.
Universiti Malaya and NCWO said the initiative aimed to strengthen the country’s caregiving ecosystem and ensure older persons received safe, quality and dignified care.