Universities urged to expand short-term elderly care courses

Malaysia is on track to become an aged nation by 2048, with people aged 65 and above expected to constitute 14% of the population. The Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) has urged universities to expand short-term elderly care courses to generate more trained caregivers, according to MQA CEO Shatar Sabran. These quality-verified courses could aid family members in caring for their parents while also creating part-time caregiving opportunities for participants.

Shatar suggested an hourly caregiving model, similar to services for children, could be introduced based on families' needs. Several universities currently offer such courses, but they are not widely available and require expansion to meet demand. The economy minister, Akmal Nasrullah Nasir, stated Malaysia only has about 27 years to prepare for this transition, which is expected to happen faster than in several developed nations.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim allocated RM1.3 billion for elderly assistance in the 2027 budget, benefiting nearly 200,000 recipients. However, Shatar emphasized that elderly care cannot solely depend on the government and requires collaboration among families, NGOs, and the wider community. He stressed that inadequate care could increase the government's financial burden, including costs associated with managing unattended deaths and providing care in residential facilities.

Shatar proposed that the government grant income tax relief to children who pay their parents' rent or housing loan instalments, which could encourage responsibility, strengthen family ties, and reduce the risk of elderly neglect.