SHAH ALAM, June 18 — The pilot project to develop a temporary care and wellness centre for senior citizens and disabled persons is expected to be implemented by the state government in the fourth quarter of this year.
State executive councillor for women empowerment and social welfare Anfaal Saari said that several research and tests were conducted beforehand, covering operational models, types of services, human resource requirements, and agency cooperation.
The state government is also considering expanding the centre in phases to other areas if the pilot project proves effective and receives a positive response.
“This approach is important to ensure the developed model is truly practical, sustainable, and meets the needs of the community,” she said in a written reply to Media Selangor.
Anfaal added that selecting locations will take into account several factors, including population density, the ageing rate, access to healthcare, and the needs of both urban and rural areas.
The committee is also looking into collaborating with the Health Ministry to make the centre a value-added service at government health clinics.
“The state government is also researching proposals to improve and strengthen one-stop senior citizen centres at the local authority level by inserting elements of temporary care services.
“In addition, the operational model of the Senior Citizen Activity Centres (PAWE) under the Social Welfare Department is also used as a reference, with implementation aligned with local needs,” she said.
During the State Legislative Assembly sitting on April 22, Anfaal announced the proposal to establish a temporary care centre for senior citizens and disabled persons to assist caregivers, particularly women.
Various financing model research
She noted that various financing models are examined, including government allocations, public-private partnerships, welfare contributions, and strategic partner support in relevant fields.
The centre is planned around the concept of shared responsibility and cross-sector collaboration to combine resources and expertise from various stakeholders.
“This approach is aligned with Selangor Care Economy Policy, which emphasises caregiving responsibilities not only borne by families or the government alone, but also requires the involvement of the public and private sectors, community, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), foundations, and welfare bodies,” Anfaal said.
The centre's implementation may also involve NGOs and registered welfare organisations as implementing partners at the community level.
“The state government’s goal is to develop a sustainable model and not rely solely on one-off assistance, but one capable of continuous operation to provide long-term benefits to senior citizens and caregivers,” she said.
Selangor is the first state in Malaysia to introduce the Care Economy Policy to strengthen the quality of senior care services and face the challenges of an ageing society.
Previously, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the ageing population issue poses a major challenge to the state administration due to Selangor’s large population.
Three districts: Kuala Selangor, Sepang, and Hulu Langat, recorded the highest rates of senior citizens.
Based on data from the Malaysian Statistics Department, individuals aged 60 and above accounted for 5.5 per cent of the country’s total population in 1970, while those aged below 14 accounted for 44.5 per cent.
However, the percentage of the population under 14 dropped to 22.2 per cent in 2024, while the population aged 60 and above increased to 11.6 per cent.
Focus on professional training
Meanwhile, Anfaal said that caregivers who receive professional training are among the crucial components in the centre's planning.
It requires a workforce with skills in senior care, effective communication, an understanding of the needs of family caregivers, and basic risk management.
“Therefore, training aspects, service standards, and quality monitoring systems will be given special attention in the development of this model.
“We want family members who send their elderly to this centre to be confident that their loved ones are being cared for in an environment that is safe, dignified, and full of love,” she said.
Payment mechanisms are still under review
Commenting on the fees, the councillor said the matter is still in the study and review stage to ensure the service is accessible to those in need.
“The main principle of the state government is to ensure this service benefits those who truly need it, particularly senior citizens and caregiving families facing time, financial, and emotional stress,” she said.
It wants to ensure the service remains easily accessible and affordable for all walks of life.
Life-cycle-based assistance approach
In the meantime, Selangor is shifting toward a life-cycle-based assistance approach, rather than assessments focused solely on household income groups such as B40, M40, or T20.
Anfaal observed that most senior citizens no longer have a fixed income, and their needs cannot be assessed solely by income categories.
“For basic services that have social support and welfare functions, the state government will study appropriate mechanisms so that they remain open to vulnerable groups, as well as affordable and easily accessible,” she said.
Selangor might consider a minimum fee or nominal charge to ensure operational sustainability for certain value-added services.
“However, any fee structure set in the future will be based on the reasonable and affordable principles, without burdening families who genuinely need help.
“The state government does not want this model to become exclusive or only benefit certain groups, but it must be part of a care system that is fair, inclusive, and sustainable for the people of Selangor,” Anfaal said.
