KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 — The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) has emerged as the first local authority in Selangor to launch a care economy action plan.
Petaling Jaya Mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon said the plan, which supports the Selangor Care Economy Policy 2024-2030 (DEPNS), is relevant for the city as its population reaches 2.3 million, making it a dense, developing area.
He said the city has a high social and economic burden, encompassing care services for children, senior citizens, and people with disabilities.
“This effort is to build a systematic, responsive and sustainable care ecosystem. It is not just a choice, but an urgent need to ensure residents’ well-being.
“With this plan, Petaling Jaya intends to become a city of inclusive care for all no matter age, gender and ability. Everyone will receive support and opportunities to live with dignity,” Zahri said at the launch of the Petaling Jaya Care Economy Action Plan 2025-2030, during the second day of the Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS), here today.
He added that the MBPJ has introduced the PJ Food With Love community initiative as a complement to the care economy agenda.
The programme, which was launched in June, channels healthy, quality food to senior citizens who live alone. Welfare checks, emotional support, and emergency button facilities are also provided.
“PJ Food With Love is a symbol of a living, humanitarian care economy that practises love, care and chivalry to shape real action within the urban community,” Zahri said.
In November last year, Selangor launched the DEPNS as Malaysia becomes an ageing nation, with 8.1 per cent of the population aged 65 and above.
The policy is centred on five cores — advocacy and promotion, governance and regulation, a trained care workforce, investment and cooperation, and innovation, technology and data.
The DEPNS focuses on caring for senior citizens, children, and people with disabilities, while boosting support for formal and informal care workers.
