Malaysia aims to become dementia-ready by 2030, and to achieve this, a community-wide approach is key, according to Deputy Health Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib. She emphasized that coordinated efforts from communities and government healthcare initiatives are necessary to address the country’s growing ageing population.
By 2030, 15 per cent of Malaysia’s population is projected to be aged 60 and above, making dementia a leading cause of dependency among older persons. Hanifah noted that while government frameworks exist, national readiness requires moving beyond policy papers into community-level support and informed families.
Initiatives like the Ministry of Health’s Dementia Action Plan 2023-2030 focus on early detection, proper care, and community support. Hanifah stressed that a dementia-ready Malaysia cannot be built through hospitals and clinics alone, but must be built through informed families, trained caregivers, skilled care workers, and supportive local communities.
The Dementia Care Champions Network, launched by Hanifah, aims to place trained allies in neighbourhoods and workplaces to provide families with immediate local guidance. This network is part of efforts to translate policy into action and support the nation’s healthy ageing agenda.
Hanifah congratulated 200 graduating caregivers, care workers, and trainers trained under the Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia and Rotary International Global Grant initiative. She noted that building a workforce capacity with clear career pathways is essential to supporting the nation’s healthy ageing agenda.
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Trained caregivers strengthen families, and when families are supported, a healthier ageing nation is built, including a dementia-ready Malaysia. Hanifah encouraged caregivers to advocate for preventive lifestyle habits, such as balanced nutrition, mental stimulation, and social engagement, to promote healthier aging across the country.
In the middle of these efforts, it’s clear that Malaysia’s dementia-ready goal is not just about healthcare, but about creating a society that values and supports its elderly population. By focusing on community-level support and informed families, the country can work towards a future where dementia is no longer a leading cause of dependency.
Hanifah’s speech was given at the graduation ceremony for the ‘Unlocking Hope for Alzheimer’s Disease: Dementia Care Skill Training Courses’ programme and the launch of the National Dementia Awareness Campaign held at Sunway Medical Centre. The event marked an important step towards building a dementia-ready Malaysia and highlighted the importance of community-wide efforts in achieving this goal.
As the country moves forward with its dementia-ready initiatives, every small step counts, from training caregivers to promoting preventive lifestyle habits. By working together, Malaysia can create a supportive environment for its elderly population and make significant progress towards becoming dementia-ready by 2030.
