12MP review: Steps taken to increase women’s labour participation to 60%

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is aiming to increase women’s participation in the labor force to 60% within the next ten years. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced this goal while presenting the 12th Malaysia Plan mid-term review in the Dewan Rakyat on September 11. To achieve this target, the government plans to provide facilities and support, such as childcare, financial incentives, and flexible working hours.

Anwar Ibrahim mentioned several programs that will be implemented to encourage women to remain in the workforce or return to work. These programs include MamaCare, affordable daycare, the Career Come Back Program, and nursery fee subsidies at work. The government also aims to acknowledge the role of women in the care economy to boost their participation in the labor force and address the workforce shortage caused by Malaysia’s aging population.

Anwar highlighted that the commitment of all parties, including the private sector, civil society groups, and a whole-of-nation approach, is necessary to accomplish this goal. Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri previously stated that her ministry focuses on three areas to increase women’s labor participation: policy and law improvements, creating a supportive ecosystem for women, and training, capacity building, and skills development.