Negara tua: Universiti perlu lahir lebih ramai penjaga warga emas

Malaysia's upcoming aging status by 2048 necessitates expanding short-term short courses for caregivers, according to MQA Executive Director Mohammad Shatar Sabran. These verified courses can equip individuals to care for elderly family members while offering part-time employment opportunities. Shatar urged universities to introduce such short courses, which have quality verification.

He noted that models like the childcare model applied to seniors could be implemented based on family needs. Some universities have already offered these courses, but the implementation needs expansion to meet demand. Malaysia has about 27 years to adequately prepare for its aging status, compared to France at 115 years, Australia at 73 years, and the United States at 69 years.

Meanwhile, NGO Reach suggested that the government provide tax relief to children paying rent or loan repayments for their parents' housing, which could encourage children to care for their aging relatives, strengthen family ties, and reduce the risk of silent deaths. Shatar emphasized that while the government should shoulder some responsibility, it must collaborate with families, NGOs, and society.

He stressed that inadequate caregiver provision could increase the government's financial burden, including costs related to managing silent death cases and nursing in nursing home centers.