HULU KELANG, June 11 — The care sector has the potential to become the country’s second-largest economic sector after manufacturing if caregiving and domestic work, which have long gone unpaid, are accorded their proper economic value.
State executive councillor for women empowerment and social welfare Anfaal Saari said studies by the Khazanah Research Institute and Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia estimate that the economic value of unpaid care and domestic work amounts to RM379 billion annually.
The figure demonstrates that the care sector can no longer be viewed solely from a welfare perspective, but instead has significant potential to contribute to the nation’s economic growth.
“Care work carried out at home, whether caring for children, the elderly, or individuals requiring specialised support, actually carries tremendous economic value and plays a vital role in the well-being of society.
“The estimated value of RM379 billion annually proves that the care sector has the potential to become one of the country’s key economic contributors through job creation, investment, and industry growth,” she said.
Anfaal was speaking to the media after attending the Selangor International Care Expo (SICE) 2026 Afternoon Networking Session at the Flamingo Hotel by the Lake today.
She added that the state government remains committed to strengthening the care ecosystem through various initiatives, including grants to care centres and childcare centres to help operators meet operational requirements and obtain official recognition.
The measure is also intended to encourage more care centres to operate legally and register, thereby enabling data and transaction values in the sector to be recorded more systematically.
She said that SICE 2026, scheduled to take place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from October 15 to October 17, will serve as a platform to strengthen investment and reinforce Selangor’s position as a regional care economy hub.
The expo, themed 'Experience Care: Discover the Future of Care', is expected to showcase a wide range of innovations in childcare, elderly care, support services for disabled persons, assistive technologies, and care services.
