STATEMENT : GENERAL DISCUSSION ON AGENDA ITEMS 3 (a) AND (b) 64th SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

STATEMENT BY

MR. SOFIAN AKMAL ABD KARIM

CHARGÈ D’AFFAIRS A.I. OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

AT THE GENERAL DISCUSSION ON AGENDA ITEMS 3 (a) AND (b)

64^th SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Thank you, Madam Chair,

Malaysia aligns itself with the statements of G77 and China, the Group of Friends of Older Persons and the Group of Friends of the Family, and delivers this statement in its national capacity.

2. Malaysia remains firmly committed to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  We recognise that social development is central to sustainable progress.  In this regard, social justice, dignity and equity continue to guide our national development priorities, to ensure that no one is left behind. 

3. The National Social Policy 2030 serves as an overarching framework aligning key social policies across ministries and agencies, and sets the national direction for human development and resilient social systems.  Implemented through the National Social Policy Plan of Action 2026-2030, to be launched in April this year, key initiatives include the establishment of the National Scam Response Centre, the expansion of Reproductive and Social Health Education in 2027, and enhanced support and management measures for vulnerable prison inmates.

4. Malaysia is responding strategically to demographic change through the National Action Plan for Older Persons 2026–2030. The Plan promotes healthy, active, and dignified ageing. It does so through long-term care, integrated support services, and community-based initiatives, including a targeted monthly cash transfer for eligible older persons living below the poverty line.  Last year, more than 165,000 older persons benefitted from this programme, with an allocation of over USD290 million. Complementing this, 217 Senior Citizens Activity Centres and expanded Home Help Services, implemented in partnership with civil society partners, supported more than 47,000 older persons in community settings, and more than 6,000 older persons living alone.

5. In parallel, Malaysia has launched the National Action Plan on Children 2026–2030, comprising 141 strategic actions across four priority areas. The Plan seeks to strengthen child protection systems, promote safe and inclusive environments, and enhance children’s wellbeing, including in the digital sphere.

Madam Chair,

6. Strong institutional mechanisms underpin Malaysia’s efforts to advance social development and social justice. The National Social Council, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, serves as the national platform for deliberating social issues, guiding policy direction and monitoring the implementation of the National Social Policy 2030.  Reinforcing this effort, the Social Protection Council, chaired by the Prime Minister, coordinates national social protection policies. The Council is leading the development of a comprehensive Social Protection Policy Framework aimed at strengthening integrated data systems and streamlining the national approach to social protection. These reforms have contributed to tangible progress under Malaysia’s Zero Hardcore Poverty agenda. As a result, the hardcore poverty rate declined to 0.09 per cent in 2024.

7. Malaysia continues to strengthen its social protection system through evidence-based, life-cycle and child-sensitive approaches. In Budget 2026, allocations for cash assistance administered by the Department of Social Welfare were increased to over USD780 million, including targeted measures such as learning allowances for parents of autistic children, reflecting a sustained commitment to inclusive and equitable social investment.

8. Malaysia also recognises the care economy as a vital pillar of sustainable development and social wellbeing, and has launched the Malaysia Care Strategic Framework and Action Plan 2026–2030 to strengthen the care ecosystem through professionalisation, improved quality standards and multi-stakeholder partnerships.  In support of this, Malaysia’s Budget 2026 provided a substantial allocation to strengthen the care ecosystem, including investments in caregiving training through the Caregiving TVET Programme and the development of National Care Standards for older persons and persons with disabilities, ensuring consistent, safe, and dignity-centred care across institutional, community, and home-based settings.

Madam Chair,

9. To conclude, Malaysia remains committed to advancing social development through inclusive, coordinated and equitable policies, and stands ready to continue working with Member States to strengthen social protection systems, eradicate poverty and ensure dignity for all, in line with our shared commitments under the 2030 Agenda.

Thank you.