IT IS time for Malaysia to look into the care economy as another revenue-generating industry, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Nancy Shukri. 

She said in order to create the infrastructure (for care economy) her ministry has started informal discussions with several ministries including the Education Ministry and Higher Education Ministry. 

“Experts are needed for the care economy industry to really grow. 

“The ministry will also have to work things out with all other institutions providing such services,” she told reporters at the Asia Pacific Care Economy Forum in Kuala Lumpur today. 

In her opening remarks earlier, Nancy said standing at 55.6%, Malaysia’s female labour participation rate is one of the lowest in Asean although women comprise more than 70% of students in universities. 

According to Nancy, investment in education and the government’s effort in care initiatives has given women greater employment opportunities but has not significantly improved the labour force participation rate.

She said the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry is exploring new ways of addressing care needs which mostly impacts women who inordinately undertake the care responsibilities in their families to remain in the workforce.

“What we want now is for women who are care-givers to be able to see themselves in employment terms and become care entrepreneurs so that they also can experience personal development,” she said. 

United Nations Resident Coordinator in Malaysia Karima El Korri when speaking to reporters said the care economy can be an opportunity to improve a country’s economic growth. 

“The government’s role is in policy, setting standards and regulating. It is a multidisciplinary area which involves at least seven or eight ministries,” she added. – Bernama, June 23, 2023.