05/11/2025

WEDNESDAY | NOV 5, 2025

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New framework to boost care economy

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Minister says sector could be second largest after manufacturing but remains overlooked, calls for urgent recognition of its role in national growth

the profession should feel confident that the system is structured and reliable and offers a recognised, respected and sustainable career path. “We believe caregiving is not limited to the elderly. It also includes children and anyone in need of care. “As Malaysia advances towards becoming a more mature nation, the need for a well-structured care system will only continue to grow.” While implementation is still in its early stages, Nancy said it is important to begin before expanding participation, noting that efforts began last year and that this year the ministry has started training its own caregivers to enhance their skills. “Under the 13th Malaysia Plan, RM50,000 has been allocated for the next five years to support training and development in this sector.” Recognising cases where parents leave their children at hospitals and caregivers continue to care for them, Nancy said this is precisely why the programme was introduced,

describing it as a responsibility entrusted to the ministry to help those in need, especially individuals with no one else to care for them. She said many working adults are unable to care for their ailing parents, highlighting the need for accessible and well-equipped care facilities. “Malaysia does not yet have a comprehensive national care system. The current options are mostly private, but we cannot always be sure whether private caregivers have been properly trained or equipped with the necessary skills. “Even though we already have institutions under the Social Welfare Department, the focus is mostly on individuals with disabilities or those who have been abandoned. The goal is to expand to cover more people.” Nancy added that the framework aims to set an example for other countries, noting that caregiving is a shared global challenge and that Malaysia has received strong support from international partners to take the lead.

Umno yet to discuss Khairy’s comeback PUTRAJAYA: Umno has yet to discuss former minister Khairy Jamaluddin’s intention to rejoin the party, said its president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. “So far, not yet,” he said briefly when asked about the former Umno youth chief’s reported desire to return to the party, after delivering his keynote address at the 2025 Putrajaya Festival of Ideas yesterday. Ahmad Zahid said he met Khairy at the wedding of Perlis Umno chairman Datuk Rozabil Abdul Rahman’s daughter last Sunday, but declined to confirm or deny claims that he had given his blessing for Khairy’s return to the party. “I only met him at the ceremony and we didn’t discuss anything. What appeared in the media is news written by the media and I respect that.” Earlier media reports stated that Khairy, or KJ is expected to rejoin Umno before the Sabah state election later this month. According to reports, the former health minister had received the “blessing” of Umno’s top leadership, particularly Ahmad Zahid himself, when attending the wedding ceremony. In January 2023, Khairy was expelled from Umno for openly criticising the party’s top leadership during the 15th General Election campaign, but since then, he has repeatedly affirmed his decision not to join any other party out of loyalty to Umno. theSun reported on Tuesday quoting Umno veteran Tengku Tan Sri Razaleigh Hamzah that Khairy should be welcomed into the party’s fold. He said several Umno leaders, including former president Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, had previously been brought back into the party as they still had valuable contributions to make to both Umno and the nation. However, Tengku Razaleigh stressed that anyone granted a second chance to return must dedicate themselves to strengthening the party and, above all, to serving the people. He added that Umno must survive for the sake of Malay political stability, describing it as the only organisation capable of uplifting the community. Speaking at the New Frontiers in the Care Economy Conference (Carecon) and the launch of the Malaysia Care Strategic Framework and Action Plan 2026–2030, she said caregiving should no longer be seen as a personal or family duty, but as a shared social and economic responsibility that sustains families, communities and the nation. “This is a wake-up call – care work is not charity – it is the backbone of KUALA LUMPUR: The value of unpaid care and domestic work in Malaysia could hit a staggering US$90.4 billion (RM425 billion) – making it the country’s second largest economic contributor after manufacturing – yet it continues to be overlooked, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, citing a study by the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia.

our economy. Yet, it remains invisible and undervalued. We must reframe care as shared work, where both women and men are recognised and empowered.” Nancy said the framework and action plan are built on five key pillars – strong governance, career pathways, advocacy, strategic collaboration and the promotion of research, data and technology. “Without this framework, it would be tough for us to move forward in a structured and effective way, as it serves as our guide to developing and implementing programmes for caregivers.” She added that the first pillar,

strong involves reviewing and strengthening existing laws while introducing new ones with proper regulations and infrastructure. “This is why a whole-of government approach has been adopted, ensuring that the effort is not led solely by the ministry but also involves other ministries, NGOs and the wider community, whose perspectives and input are crucial.” Nancy emphasised the need for experts and professionals in the field to strengthen the caregiving system, adding that caregivers should not be left without proper support, recognition or protection. She said those who aspire to join governance,

Dzulkefly (centre) said Malaysia must tackle the growing crisis of uncontrolled diabetes, which continues to drive up chronic diseases and healthcare costs. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

‘Alarming rise in uncontrolled diabetes’

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

“That means nearly two-thirds of patients are still struggling to manage their diabetes.” He warned that uncontrolled diabetes often leads to serious complications such as heart attacks, kidney failure, strokes and amputations, and contributes to Malaysia’s RM64 billion annual burden of non-communicable diseases (NCD). Dzulkefly said Erat and its self monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) component aim to empower patients to take charge of their own health. “The programme focuses on those who fail to control their condition. Through Erat we empower patients to monitor, manage and understand their own diabetes better.” He also stressed the importance of behavioural insights in encouraging healthier lifestyles among Malaysians. “The biggest challenge is patient compliance – how do we

get them to follow their treatment plans and make better choices?. “Behavioural insights give people options. When they can choose between sugary and less sugary drinks, or affordable healthy foods, they are more likely to make rational, healthier decisions.” He highlighted initiatives such as the nutri-grade labelling and sugar-sweetened beverage tax as key steps in nudging the public towards healthier choices. When asked about the prevalence of diabetes among children, Dzulkefly acknowledged that available data is outdated, referring to figures from 2019 that recorded 977 diagnosed cases among those under 18, with up to 77% being Type 1 diabetes. “We must update this data through new surveys and studies. Without proper data, we cannot formulate effective policies, especially for early detection and prevention among school

children.” He added that the ministry continues to work with the Education Ministry under the Healthy School Canteen Programme to promote nutrition and healthy lifestyles among students. Deputy director-general of Health (Pharmaceutical Services) Dr Azuana Ramli said as of today, 402 of the health ministry’s facilities nationwide provide diabetes medication therapy adherence clinics (DMTAC) services, supported by 30 training centres and 37 certified preceptors. Since the launch of DMTAC registry last year, 24,176 patients have been enrolled, with 81% achieving improved HbA1c levels, reflecting better glucose control and medication adherence. However, she said 17% of patients still struggle to maintain good glycaemic control, and only 15% practise regular self monitoring.

PUTRAJAYA: of Malaysia’s 1.03 million diabetes patients have their condition under control – a figure Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said should set off alarm bells across the nation. Speaking at the launch of the Empowering Patients Living with Diabetes (Erat) programme – a collaboration between the Health Ministry, Novo Nordisk Malaysia and the Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) – Dzulkefly said Malaysia must urgently tackle the growing crisis of uncontrolled diabetes, which continues to drive up chronic diseases and healthcare costs. “Of the one million active diabetic patients in our facilities, only 36.7% have controlled blood sugar levels based on the HbA1c indicator for long-term blood sugar control. Only 37%