Deputy Health Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib stated that to prepare Malaysia for dementia by 2030, communities must work hand in hand with government healthcare programs to manage the nation’s increasing senior demographic. Speaking at Sunway Medical Centre during an event covered by Bernama, the minister emphasized that national readiness depends heavily on shifting focus away from policy papers alone and moving toward grassroots support structures and informed families.
Because projections show that 15 per cent of Malaysia’s population will be 60 years old and older by 2030, dementia has become a primary driver of reliance among seniors. According to Bernama, Datuk Hanifah noted that while official frameworks are essential, hospitals and clinics cannot manage the rising demand in isolation.
“That is why initiatives like the Ministry of Health’s Dementia Action Plan 2023-2030 are so important, as they focus on early detection, proper care, and community support,” Datuk Hanifah said, as reported by Bernama. “But a dementia-ready Malaysia cannot be built through hospitals and clinics alone; it must be built through informed families, trained caregivers, skilled care workers, and supportive local communities.”
Launching the Dementia Care Champions Network
To help translate national policy into tangible local action, Datuk Hanifah officially launched the Dementia Care Champions Network. According to Bernama, the newly established network aims to place trained allies directly into neighborhoods and workplaces. These local champions will provide affected families with immediate, accessible guidance and support.
The announcement coincided with the graduation ceremony for the ‘Unlocking Hope for Alzheimer’s Disease: Dementia Care Skill Training Courses’ program, alongside the official launch of the National Dementia Awareness Campaign. Bernama reported that 200 caregivers, care workers, and trainers successfully completed the course, which was organized under an Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia and Rotary International Global Grant initiative.
Addressing the graduates, Datuk Hanifah highlighted the importance of workforce capacity building and establishing clear career pathways to support the country’s healthy ageing agenda. “When we train one caregiver, we strengthen a family, and when we support families, we build a healthier ageing nation, including a dementia-ready Malaysia,” she said, according to Bernama.
Promoting Preventive Lifestyle Habits
Beyond specialized care and early diagnosis, the Deputy Health Minister urged caregivers to actively advocate for preventive lifestyle habits. According to Bernama, maintaining balanced nutrition, engaging in regular mental stimulation, and preserving strong social connections are vital components of fostering healthier aging across the entire country.
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