By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, Feb 17 — The state government will launch the Selangor Care Accelerator (XCare) on Thursday to expand the care economy.
State executive councillor for women empowerment and welfare Anfaal Saari said the programme aims to accelerate the growth of care businesses, including those centred on mobile caregiving and community-based care.
Previously, Anfaal said the initiative, earlier known as CareX, would widen the Selangor Care Economy Policy and drive higher revenue, and will train those involved in the care sector for several months on the development of the industry.
“Through XCare, we want to encourage innovation in care, particularly in making care services more affordable and accessible.
“For example, innovative care equipment, like no-lift devices, could be further developed and scaled to reduce costs, which would directly benefit both caregivers and care recipients.
“This type of innovation can play a big role in improving the quality of mobile caregiving services while keeping them affordable,” she told Media Selangor recently.
She was asked about an expert’s recommendation to expand community-based care and mobile caregiving services in Petaling Jaya to enhance support for senior citizens, during a forum at the PJ Care Economy Action Plan 2025-2030 workshop.
Selangor Care Economy advisory committee member Khadijah Alavi said elderly people who continue living in their own homes often have longer lifespans and a greater sense of dignity, respect, and self-worth in their final years.
The Petaling Jaya Care Economy Action Plan 2025-2030 is to be tabled to the state government and adopted by local authorities statewide.
Previously, Petaling Jaya Mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon said they are committed to implementing the action plan more systematically and effectively through a workshop.
The action plan’s main priorities include creating a senior-friendly environment with comprehensive health and wellness programmes, improving childcare facilities, and developing safe, inclusive playgrounds.
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Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari (centre) shakes the hand of a senior citizen during the launch of the Sungai Tua Senior Citizens Activity Centre at Kampung Wira Damai, Gombak, on September 1, 2024. — Picture by HAFIZ OTHMAN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
More targeted and sustainable solutions
Elaborating, Anfaal said to intensify efforts, the state government is engaging experts to develop data-driven and needs-based policies for the elderly.
“This is part of the reforms we are implementing, shifting from traditional cash handouts to addressing lifecycle challenges.
“Our goal is to create more targeted and sustainable solutions that meet the specific needs of the elderly population,” she said.
She added that Selangor is also working to expand the availability of care centres statewide by collaborating with private sector partners to establish more facilities and services, ensuring easier access to care within communities.
“Another significant step we’ve taken is the recent launch of Geran Pusat Jagaan (Care Centre Grant). The Selangor government has allocated RM400,000 for the grant, which helps care centres meet regulatory requirements set by the Social Welfare Department and other technical agencies, improving the overall quality of community-based care services and ensuring they meet the highest standards for safety and operation,” she said.
To support caregivers, Anfaal highlighted state initiatives to expand the number of professional caregivers and assist informal family caregivers. Among them is the Selangor Frontliner Apprenticeship-Hospital Scholarship Programme, which provides scholarships for the Nursing Diploma at Universiti Selangor.
The programme covers 100 per cent of the tuition, along with allowances for books, activities, and other benefits, reflecting our commitment to nurturing more professional caregivers.
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People register for the free childcare course at the counter of the Iltizam Penjagaan dan Pendidikan Kanak-Kanak Selangor (Impak Selangor) during the Jelajah Ehsan Rakyat affordable basic necessities sales programme, at Dewan Seksyen 7 in Kota Damansara, on May 18, 2023. — Picture by DIANA ABD WAHAB/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
“We also have the Early Childhood Care and Education Caretaker programme (Impak Selangor) programme, which focuses on training at-home caregivers, although it is currently only available for caregivers of children.
“Recently, we have expanded our efforts to include caregivers of children with disabilities,” she said.
Anfaal said the state is developing specialised modules in collaboration with experts to upskill parents and caregivers of children with disabilities, equipping them with the necessary skills to provide quality care at home.
“God willing, we are looking for opportunities to further expand this initiative to include caregivers of the elderly,” she said.
Additionally, she said the state is incorporating more elderly-friendly features in Petaling Jaya via universal design, ensuring accessibility for all, including the elderly and disabled. Developers are also required to adhere to universal design standards.
“These guidelines ensure spaces are designed to accommodate the needs of all people, including senior citizens.
“Our plan is to gradually expand the adoption of universal design throughout Selangor, making public spaces, parks, transport, and community centres more inclusive and senior-friendly, enhancing the overall quality of life for the elderly population,” she said.
