A new policy paper by the Institute of Strategic & International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia has called for urgent action to establish a comprehensive care economy in the country. The paper, titled "Building a cradle-to-grave care economy for Malaysia", highlights the increasing demand for care services due to Malaysia's aging population and shrinking labor force.

According to the paper, the care economy has the potential to be a significant driver of economic growth. However, its development is hindered by several factors, including reliance on informal care, inadequate social protection, and gender-based discrimination.

To address these challenges, the paper recommends the following policy measures:

• Integrating social care into the social protection framework: Ensuring that care services are included as a core component of the country's social protection system.
• Investing in community-based care infrastructure and services: Expanding access to community-based care facilities and programs to meet the diverse needs of care recipients.
• Establishing policy roadmaps and governance structures: Developing clear policy guidelines and creating a governance framework to oversee the implementation of care policies.
• Instituting system-wide gender-sensitive and care-centered approaches: Promoting gender equality and ensuring that care policies and programs are designed to meet the specific needs of women and caregivers.

The paper's authors emphasize the need for public investment and involvement to create a sustainable and inclusive care economy. By implementing these policy recommendations, Malaysia can address the growing demand for care services, improve the well-being of its citizens, and boost economic growth.

Read more here.

Paper written by Lee Min Hui,Calvin Cheng Kah Weng, Shazana Agha and Anis Farid. With contributions from Prof Datuk Dr Norma Mansor, Dr Teoh Ai Hua and Sofea Azahar, May 2024.

Policy paper supported by Chairman YBhg Datuk Prof Dr Mohd Faiz Abdullah and ISIS Malaysia collaborators.

Supported by Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Malaysia led by Miriam Fischer and endorsement from Tengku Aira Tengku Razif of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Discussion moderator, Prof Datuk Dr Denison Jaysooria of APPGM-SDG Secretariat.

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