KUALA LUMPUR, 17 October 2026 – Malaysia's first Care Block, a community-based model aimed at improving access to essential care services and supporting caregivers, is set to be piloted following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Wanita Berdaya Selangor (WBS) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
 

The MoU will establish a framework for cooperation to advance the care economy and gender equality in Selangor.

Selangor Menteri Besar Dato’ Sri Amirudin Shari, who witnessed the MoU exchange at the Selangor International Care Expo on Saturday, said the partnership supports the state's efforts to translate its care economy policies into practical support for families and caregivers.

"Central to this is improving access to care services and easing unpaid care responsibilities, which fall disproportionately on women and can limit their participation in paid work.

"The partnership between WBS and UNDP will see the development of Malaysia's first Care Block, bringing essential care services and caregiver support together within an accessible neighbourhood," he said.

The MoU covers the development of a Care Block model, technical support, knowledge sharing, community engagement and stakeholder consultations, among other areas of cooperation.

The proposed pilot will explore how care, particularly for older persons, children and support services for persons with disabilities can be integrated to better serve the community.

By bringing care services closer to home, the initiative aims to reduce the burden of unpaid care work, support caregivers' well-being and create greater opportunities for women to participate in paid employment.

Meanwhile, UNDP Resident Representative to Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam Edward Vrkić said UNDP would work closely with WBS and local communities to better understand their needs and priorities, ensuring that the Care Block model is responsive to the community it serves.

"Our partnership will also cover site assessments, feasibility studies, monitoring and evaluation, and the adaptation of relevant international experiences to Selangor's local context.

“The services to be provided at the pilot site will be determined in consultation with the local community and relevant stakeholders,” he said.

The collaboration builds on the Selangor Care Economy Policy 2024-2030 and the state government's efforts to mainstream gender equality across development initiatives.

The proposed pilot also aligns with Selangor's care economy priorities, including strengthening community-based care infrastructure, advancing gender-responsive policies and promoting inclusive economic opportunities for persons with disabilities and women seeking to return to the workforce.

UNDP will draw on its global knowledge and technical expertise in policy development and implementation to support the partnership.

The initiative also complements UNDP's ongoing efforts to strengthen Malaysia's care ecosystem, including the development of a care georeferencing tool to improve access to services and support evidence-based planning and interventions.

Through the pilot, WBS and UNDP aim to generate practical insights and evidence to inform future care initiatives and explore opportunities for replicating the model in other communities.

The MoU marks a step towards strengthening an integrated and inclusive care economy that responds to community needs, recognises the importance of care work and supports women's economic participation.

Present at the MoU exchange were WBS Chief Executive Officer Siti Faridah Abdul Samad and UNDP Malaysia Deputy Resident Representative Besian Xhezo.
 

About Wanita Berdaya Selangor
Wanita Berdaya Selangor (WBS) was established in 2021 based on three (3) core pillars: Research and Policy, Women’s Empowerment, and Leadership Building. WBS is also a subsidiary of Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated) and serves as the implementing agency for women’s empowerment and care economy initiatives and programmes under the Selangor Standing Committee for Women and Family Empowerment, Social Welfare, and the Care Economy.

About UNDP Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei Darussalam
Established in 1965, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) partners with Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam to advance sustainable, inclusive and resilient development. Part of a global network in 170 countries, UNDP works with governments, civil society and the private sector to deliver impact on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), strengthen governance and institutions, and promote climate action, innovation and social inclusion.

For media enquiries
Kindly contact: Nor Yasmin Salim, Manager of Communication, Wanita Berdaya Selangor: yasmin@wbselangor.com.my | +60195750563

Aiezat Fadzell, Head of Communications for UNDP Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam: aiezat.fadzell@undp.org | +60126685747