Accra:Selangor Selangor is setting its sights on becoming a leading care industry hub both nationally and within the ASEAN region by 2030, in anticipation of an ageing population.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anfaal Saari, the State Women Development and Social Welfare Committee chairman, highlighted Selangor's status as a benchmark for other states in implementing care industry policies. The state's approach involves continuous policies and action plans with various stakeholders, aiming to simplify governance and regulation to ease business operations.

Anfaal emphasized the importance of reducing bureaucratic hurdles to facilitate business in the care industry. She shared these insights during the "Hot Seat Session" titled "Investment-Ready for the Care Boom Policy Frameworks and Economic Potential in Selangor," part of the Selangor International Care Expo (SICE) 2026.

The care industry in Selangor has attracted international interest, notably from South Korea, focusing on technology and AI, and Japan, through the Nagoya Institute of Technology, which has developed technology to aid stroke patients. Anfaal mentioned that international technology partnerships represent long-term investments to foster growth in the care economy.

Ng Sze Han, the State Investment, Trade and Mobility Committee chairman, noted that Selangor is the first Malaysian state with a comprehensive Care Economy Policy guiding efforts until 2030. With the highest life expectancy in the country, Selangor's senior citizen population is projected to reach 1.4 million by 2040. Ng stressed the importance of care investments that generate skilled jobs, collaborate with local businesses, and improve family care standards, ultimately enhancing quality of life. The state government is prepared to work with local councils to develop clear guidelines for retirement villages and rehabilitation centres to streamline investment processes.