Fatimah highlights some points during the session. — Ukas photo

DALAT (Aug 28): Sarawak is expected to become an ageing state by 2028, increasing the need for elderly care services, community support and skilled caregivers, said Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah.

The State Minister of Women, Children and Community Wellbeing said the expected increase in the elderly population meant elderly care could no longer be viewed as solely a family responsibility.

“It requires a whole-of-society approach involving families, communities, the government, training institutions, service providers and a trained workforce,” said the Dalat assemblywoman during the ‘Elderly Caregiver and Palliative Caregiver’ sharing and discussion session at the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (Centexs) here.

She said the growing elderly population would also increase demand for healthcare support, social facilities and caregivers with the necessary skills.

Fatimah said elderly care should also be viewed as part of the care economy, with the sector having significant potential not only from the welfare and social perspectives but also as an increasingly important employment and service sector.

She said while some senior citizens preferred to remain with their families and age in place, others might require more intensive care at institutions or care centres.

“Both forms of care require a workforce with the right knowledge, skills and attitude,” she said.

Fatimah welcomed the implementation of the Certificate in Training for Elderly Caregivers (TREC) at Centexs Dalat, describing it as a relevant initiative in addressing community needs.

She said the eight-month programme covered elderly caregiving and palliative care, combining theoretical learning with practical training and exposure to real caregiving situations.

She stressed that training caregivers was not merely about obtaining certification, but also about building their competency, confidence, work discipline and humanitarian values.

Fatimah said the government could not address elderly care issues alone and called for a comprehensive care ecosystem involving the state government, ministries, training institutions, industry players, agencies, care providers, families and communities.

She also highlighted efforts to assess and recognise caregiver competencies, noting that an assessment conducted with the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) and Rumah Seri Kenangan Kuching recorded an overall average score of 80.5 per cent.

Of those assessed, eight participants achieved Level 3-Skill Value, with scores of 80 per cent and above, while nine achieved Level 2-Skill Versatile.

Fatimah said such efforts were important in strengthening the professionalism of caregivers, increasing confidence among families and the industry, and creating clearer career pathways.

She said Sarawak ultimately aimed to build an elderly-friendly state where senior citizens were respected, supported by the community and able to live safely and with dignity.

“The question is no longer whether we need elderly care or not. We do.

“The question is whether we are sufficiently prepared to provide quality care to our elderly,” she said.

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