SHAH ALAM, June 24 — Approximately 301 registered care centres are currently operating in Petaling Jaya, said its Mayor Dato’ Mohamad Zahri Samingon.
The highest number of premises recorded in the district was childcare centres and nurseries, at 179 centres. The data recorded 123 nurseries and 56 childcare centres, respectively.
He said the figure also included 72 elderly care centres, followed by 29 centres for disabled persons, with the remainder comprising welfare homes.
The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) remains committed to working with various agencies to implement key programmes to drive the growth of the care economy in line with the Petaling Jaya Care Economy Action Plan 2025-2030.
“This year, we are collaborating with the Social Welfare Department, the Fire and Rescue Department, and the District Health Office to introduce a Grading System Programme for childcare centres and care facilities.
“This is aimed at assessing the quality of services, safety standards, and compliance with guidelines and approval requirements,” Zahri told Media Selangor when contacted.
He added that MBPJ is actively strengthening the Selangor Care Economy Policy 2024-2030 at the local level by implementing the Petaling Jaya Care Economy Action Plan 2025-2030.
Healthcare services for elderly residents living independently under the PJ Food With Love programme will be expanded through its rebranding as PJ Care.
This includes assistance for the elderly, such as providing healthy meals, monitoring medication intake, and providing continuous healthcare services.
“The Sehenti Programme will also continue so that no unregistered childcare centres and care facilities are left behind when obtaining approval and operating legally.
“The Care Workforce Training and Competency Programme will also be implemented to enhance the professionalism, skills and efficiency of care centre operators and supervisors,” Zahri said.
Previously, MBPJ became the first local authority in Selangor to implement a care economy action plan.
The plan, which supports the Selangor Care Economy Policy (DEPNS) 2024-2030, was implemented in Petaling Jaya, one of the state’s most densely populated and rapidly developing areas.
Currently, Petaling Jaya is home to a population of more than 2.3 million.
Selangor launched the policy in preparation for an ageing society, with 8.1 per cent of its population aged 65 and above.
The policy focuses on five key pillars: advocacy and promotion; governance and regulation; trained caregivers and workforce; investment and collaboration; and innovation, technology, and data.
It covers the care of senior citizens, children and disabled persons, while also strengthening support for both formal and informal caregiving communities.
