Integrated care centres in Penang, Sarawak planned for next year

BUTTERWORTH: Plans to establish National Integrated Care Centres (NICE) in Sarawak and Penang are still under discussion, with the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry reviewing implementation requirements ahead of next year.

Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the proposed centres, announced in the 2027 Budget, aligned with the government's broader vision to strengthen the care economy nationwide.

"We are very happy with the Budget because it supports what we have envisioned for the whole country.

"We will hold discussions with the governments of both states to assess the way forward, including infrastructure requirements and the arrangements needed to establish the centres," she told reporters when asked about the matter.

In his 2027 Budget speech, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the establishment of two NICE centres in Penang and Sarawak to support training, research and elderly care.

Nancy noted that many existing care-related initiatives were run by private entities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), making it necessary to review the current landscape before determining the implementation approach.

"Let us start with these two states first. We are grateful that the Budget allocation will allow us to continue pursuing our plans," she added.

Nancy said the proposed centres were part of the ministry's wider efforts to advance the care economy, adding that the allocation would support its plans to expand such initiatives nationwide.

"Further details will be determined through discussions with the two state governments as the ministry works towards implementation next year," she said.