SHAH ALAM: Selangor has become the first state to launch the Selangor Care Economy Policy as part of its efforts to address the challenges posed by an ageing population.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the policy focuses on five key areas: advocacy and promotion, governance and regulation, trained carers and workforce, investment and collaboration and innovation, technology and data.
He said this initiative, which will run until 2030, aims to address elderly care, childcare, support for people with disabilities and strengthen both formal and informal caregiving communities. Currently, 8.1 per cent of the state's population is aged 65 and above.
"Although Selangor ranks fifth in terms of the percentage of elderly population after Perak, Kedah, Sarawak and Perlis, it has the highest total number due to its dense population, which stands at 7.36 million," Amirudin said after launching the policy at Wisma Dewan Negeri Selangor here today.
He also said that Kuala Selangor, Sepang and Hulu Langat have the highest proportion of elderly residents in the state.
He said the policy also includes the involvement of state agencies and local authorities to facilitate training and recognition for informal carers, particularly those who look after children or elderly family members at home.
Amirudin said next year, the state government will host the Selangor Care Economy Summit, bringing together experts in childcare, elderly care, nutrition and other stakeholders.
"The aim is to ensure that those involved in the care economy are recognised for their vital roles, including through fairer compensation.
"I hope the full implementation of the Selangor Care Economy Policy will benefit the elderly, children, people with disabilities, caregivers and the people of Selangor as a whole," he said. – BERNAMA