SHAH ALAM, July 24 — The implementation of the care economy under the First Selangor Plan (RS-1) has positioned the state as a model caring city in the Asia-Pacific region.
State Executive Councillor for women empowerment and social welfare Anfaal Saari said the international recognition demonstrates that the care sector is not merely a form of social welfare, but also an economic driver that contributes to public well-being.
"This is not our own claim. United Nations (UN) Women itself has recognised Selangor as one of the examples of a Caring City in the Asia-Pacific region because we practise the Care Diamond model, which promotes shared responsibility among the government, the private sector, families, and the community.
"We have adopted the principle that caregivers also need to be cared for and recognised. We want the care economy to be viewed not merely as welfare work, but as a service sector capable of contributing to the state's economy," she told Media Selangor.
UN Women is the global entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. The Care Diamond is a framework that maps the shared responsibilities of caring for children, older persons, the sick, and managing the household within society.
Anfaal added that the model is one of the key reasons Selangor has become a point of reference, as it balances economic development with community well-being without compromising humanitarian values.
RS-1 has created opportunities for more women to re-enter the workforce through the care sector after leaving their careers to care for family members.
The state government aims to change the perception that caregivers are merely volunteers, as they also require social protection, stable incomes, and professional recognition.
She said that the initiative provides women who left employment to care for family members with opportunities to return to work through professional certification and skills development in the care sector.
"We need to break the perception that caregiving is only charitable work. Many women sacrifice their careers to care for their parents or family members, leaving them without income, savings, or social protection.
"That is why we want to create opportunities through accreditation and skills enhancement so they can enjoy a more secure future.
"The social care sector has a direct economic impact because we recognise the role of caregivers, enable more women to return to work, and help boost the state's economic performance," Anfaal said.
