by Amanda L
KUCHING, Nov 10: Recognising care work as part of the formal economy could be a game-changer for women’s participation in Malaysia’s workforce, as the government moves to elevate caregiving into a recognised economic sector under the Malaysia Care 2026–2030 framework.
According to Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Dato Sri Nancy Shukri, the move signals a national shift in how childcare and elderly care are valued.
She emphasised that Malaysia Care 2026–2030 framework aims to build a formal care ecosystem by training caregivers, expanding access to childcare and eldercare services, and encouraging employers to provide childcare-at-work facilities.
Nancy added that improving access to care services will enable more women to rejoin the workforce, especially mothers who often leave employment due to caregiving responsibilities.
“Care work has long been treated as unpaid domestic labour despite its importance. We want care work to be seen as skilled and dignified work that contributes to the economy.
“When caregivers are trained and supported, families benefit and productivity rises,” she said when speaking at Sarawak Media Night here on Sunday (Nov 9).
“We are building an ecosystem that positions care as a shared responsibility. The outcome we seek is clear: families supported, women empowered and care work recognised,” she affirmed. —DayakDaily
