Perak: The Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Elderly Care Programme implemented by the Perak state government since 2023 is projected to generate RM1.75 million in cumulative income for its practitioners, driven by growing demand for elderly care services.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Women, Family, Social Welfare, Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Committee chairman Datuk Salbiah Mohamed noted that 66 percent of alumni from the Professional Certification Elderly Care Course under the Santunan Kasih initiative reported higher monthly income as of December 2025, with 25 percent having doubled their earnings.
The programme, conducted with strategic partners including UniKL RCMP, Sunshine Qualicare Sdn Bhd, Retirement and Recreation Management Sdn Bhd, and the Malaysian Association of Social Care and Care Home Professionals (MASOC Care), has trained approximately 356 participants since its inception in 2023. Although formal accreditation is not yet available, the skills acquired through the programme have allowed participants to offer elderly care services, with some earning between RM7,000 and RM15,000 monthly.
Datuk Salbiah Mohamed said that around 66 percent of those trained are now directly involved in providing elderly care services, while others are using their skills to care for family members. Additionally, some participants have utilized their expertise to create social enterprises in the elderly care sector.
Efforts are being made to support participants who have transitioned into entrepreneurship within this field. Salbiah hopes the Federal Government will establish a dedicated accreditation system to ensure the skills of caregivers receive official recognition. This framework is seen as crucial for developing a blueprint and legal framework to determine responsibility and accountability for registered caregivers.
A recognized accreditation system is anticipated to enhance the value of skills acquired by caregivers as Malaysia progresses towards becoming an ageing nation. Salbiah emphasized the importance of retaining skilled workers within Perak, as the state refines mechanisms to prevent the migration of talent trained under the Santunan Kasih initiative to other regions.