IPOH: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) will emphasise on the Ageing Nation Agenda by establishing a clear social safety net framework.

Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli said the ministry has finalised a policy paper on this agenda, which will be presented to the government early next year, followed by the tabling of a White Paper in parliament.

Several improvements have been identified within the framework, including legal aspects to develop the country's care industry, he said.

"For the long term, we also need to consider the type of social protection required as our nation becomes an ageing society.

"We must address various issues, including the labour sector, insurance, pensions, and others.

"These matters will also be discussed in greater detail under the 13MP.

"The process of building a comprehensive social safety net can't happen overnight and involves oversight from multiple ministries, but 13MP will be the first plan with a specific focus on the Ageing Nation Agenda," he told reporters after attending the 13MP engagement session with the Perak state government officials at the Casuarina Convention Center here, today.

Present were Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and Perak Speaker Datuk Mohammad Zahir Abdul Khalid.

Rafizi said the care industry needs clearer legal frameworks and regulations by any specific ministry.

As such, he said, the ministry, alongside other ministries such as the Women, Family, and Community Development Ministry, focuses on the issue of elder care and other vulnerable groups.

Rafizi also announced that the People's Income Initiative (IPR) and the Farmer Entrepreneur Initiative (Intan) would continue under 13MP, given the success of the ongoing projects.

He said that IPR-Intan would be extended if state governments were willing to offer more land for these projects.

"The more land state governments provide, the faster we can expand.

"For now, I see positive acceptance from the public, and people are beginning to understand the initiative.

"More state governments are stepping forward to offer land, and the Economy Ministry will ensure the necessary allocations are provided when these lands are handed over to the federal government," he said.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/11/1139561/13mp-emphasise-ageing-nation-agenda-rafizi