KUALA LUMPUR – The Raja Permaisuri of Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim, launched the Elderly Caregiver Education Standards and Qualifications Framework, an initiative aimed at enhancing professionalism among elderly caregivers in Malaysia.
The book, launched at the T.J. Danaraj Medical Library, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya (UM), on Oct 30, introduces an eight-level educational qualifications framework designed to provide clearer career pathways in the country's care sector.
UM said in a statement today that the book was jointly developed by its Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Nursing in collaboration with the National Council of Women's Organisations Malaysia (NCWO).
Based on the principles of the Malaysian Qualifications Framework (MQF), the framework provides a structured approach to caregiver education, ranging from basic training to higher education.
"It also serves as a guide for higher education institutions, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) providers, industry players and relevant agencies in developing structured, competency-based education programmes, while creating clearer career progression opportunities for caregivers," the statement said.
It added that the initiative was particularly significant given Malaysia's changing demographics, with 8.0 per cent of the population aged 65 and above in 2025, increasing the demand for trained and competent caregivers.
The standards also support the Malaysia Care Strategic Framework and Action Plan 2026-2030, particularly Strategic Thrust 2: Competency and Career Pathways, led by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM).
Meanwhile, NCWO president Prof Emerita Tan Sri Dr Sharifah Hapsah Syed Hasan Shahabudin said developing a skilled caregiving workforce was essential not only to ensuring quality care but also to encouraging greater participation of women in the workforce.
"Caregiving responsibilities often fall on women, forcing some to leave their jobs to care for their children or ageing parents.
"Having trained and professional caregivers can ease this burden while creating more job opportunities in the growing care sector," she said.
She also stressed the importance of caregiver welfare, including mental health support and adequate skills training to reduce the risk of burnout.
Sharifah Hapsah said improving the quality of life of older persons required collective efforts from the government, families, non-governmental organisations, industry players and academic institutions to build a more sustainable care ecosystem. –BERNAMA