Malaysia is ageing fast, but who’s in charge? Advocates call for an ‘anchor ministry’

As Malaysia rapidly ages, advocates are calling for a dedicated approach, with a ministry responsible for older persons and a single agency to coordinate all aged care policies. Ezzati Nasir, CEO of Teman Malaysia, which provides care companion services, expressed hope that, as an older individual, there would be a Ministry for Older Persons.

She argued that instead of different ministries deciding their scope and responsibilities, a dedicated ministry would be more effective. Similarly, Datuk Dr Jacob Thomas, from the Malaysia Productivity Corporation, advocated for a Cabinet-directed agency to manage aged care, similar to the models in Japan and Australia. Thomas emphasized that all relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Health, Women, Family and Community Development, and Finance, would play a role in this agency.

In a related panel, Rashidi Yahaya, chairman of the Malaysian Caregivers Association, also called for an "anchor ministry" to take charge of long-term care. Tengku Aizan Tengku Abdul Hamid, a council member of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia, echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for coordination across sectors and levels of government to avoid redundancy and wasteful efforts.

Gerontology lecturer Nurdiyanah Kamsan suggested that a one-stop agency could provide caregivers with information on available services and support. The Malaysia Care Strategic Framework and Action Plan (2026–2030), launched in November 2025, includes the coordination of standard operating procedures across ministries for the registration and licensing of care centers, as well as the establishment of a National Care Regulatory Body to oversee care providers.