Universiti Kuala Lumpur Royal College of Medicine Perak (UniKL RCMP) is playing a key role in developing Perak’s elderly care workforce through a technical and vocational education and training programme.
The programme is projected to generate RM1.75 million in cumulative income for its practitioners.
The Professional Certification Elderly Care Course, implemented under the Perak Government’s Santunan Kasih initiative, has trained 356 participants since its introduction in 2023.
UniKL RCMP is one of the programme’s key collaborators, contributing its healthcare education expertise to ensure participants receive practical and industry-relevant training for the growing elderly care sector.
The programme is delivered in collaboration with Sunshine Qualicare Sdn Bhd, Retirement and Recreation Management Sdn Bhd, and the Malaysian Association of Social Care and Care Home Professionals (MASOC Care).
Speaking after the Santunan Kasih Dinner in Ipoh on 7 July 2026, Perak Women, Family, Social Welfare, Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Committee Chairman, YB Dato’ Salbiah Mohamed, said the programme had produced encouraging socioeconomic outcomes.
As of December 2025, 66 percent of participants reported an increase in their monthly income, while 25 percent reported doubling their earnings.
Some trained practitioners are now earning between RM7,000 and RM15,000 per month by providing professional elderly care services.
Approximately 66 percent of the participants are directly involved in elderly care services.
Others have applied their knowledge and skills to care for elderly family members, while several participants have established social enterprises within the care economy.
The findings demonstrate how healthcare-focused TVET can create new employment opportunities, strengthen household income and respond to Malaysia’s increasing demand for qualified elderly care practitioners.
YB Dato’ Salbiah highlighted the importance of establishing a formal accreditation system or recognised professional body for elderly care services in Malaysia.
Although participants currently receive certificates of completion, a nationally recognised framework would enhance the professional value of their skills and provide clearer standards on the responsibilities and accountability of registered caregivers.
Through its involvement in the Santunan Kasih initiative, UniKL RCMP reinforces its commitment to applied healthcare education, lifelong learning, industry collaboration and community-based skills development.
The initiative supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Note: The original report was first published by Bernama on 8 July 2026.
