Universities urged to expand short-term elderly care courses

Malaysia is expected to become an aged nation by 2048, with people aged 65 and above making up 14% of the population, according to projections. The Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) CEO, Shatar Sabran, has called on universities to expand short-term elderly care courses to produce more trained caregivers ahead of this demographic shift.

These quality-verified courses, if made widely available, could help individuals provide care for their aging parents while also generating part-time caregiving opportunities. Shatar suggested an hourly caregiving model, similar to the services provided for children, which could be tailored to the families' needs. He noted that several universities already offer such courses, but they are not yet widely accessible and require expansion to meet the anticipated demand.

The government's allocation of RM1.3 billion for elderly assistance in the 2027 budget aimed to benefit nearly 200,000 recipients. However, Shatar emphasized that elderly care should be a shared responsibility among families, NGOs, and the community. He stressed that inadequate care could burden the government financially, with costs associated with managing unattended deaths and providing care in residential facilities.

A proposal by the Centre for Community and Housing Development (REACH) suggested introducing a special tax relief for children who contribute to their parents' housing expenses, such as rent or mortgage payments. This tax incentive could encourage children to take responsibility for their parents' well-being, strengthen family bonds, and decrease the likelihood of neglect, including instances of unattended deaths.