The National Social Policy Action Plan 2026-2030 aims to strengthen social wellbeing with 102 initiatives, focusing on reducing dependency and tackling homelessness
KUALA LUMPUR: The newly launched National Social Policy Action Plan (PTDSN) 2026-2030 will serve as a strategic government document to introduce new values in strengthening social wellbeing and national resilience.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the plan was developed through comprehensive collaboration between federal ministries, state governments, the private sector and communities.
Driven by four main thrusts of the National Social Policy 2030, the PTDSN 2026-2030 covers 17 priority areas, 17 strategies and 102 initiatives with the involvement of 32 ministries and agencies.
“I wish to emphasise that the measure of a country’s development should not depend solely on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth,” Ahmad Zahid said in a statement after chairing the 23rd National Social Council meeting.
He stated that the new values require a more comprehensive assessment, including social indicators, equitable economic distribution and fair access to opportunities for all citizens.
The initiatives under the plan also focus on a mindset shift, including fostering independence, innovation and resilience among the people.
“These are the new values we aim to cultivate at the national level to reduce dependence on government assistance,” he added.
The meeting also addressed the issue of homelessness, which was described as an important indicator of humanitarian values in society.
From 2021 until May 2025, a total of 5,163 homeless individuals were assisted by the Social Welfare Department, but the rate of them returning to homelessness remained high.
The meeting welcomed a proposal to strengthen governance on beggars and homelessness through a new direction, including drafting a new act to replace the Destitute Persons Act 1977.
The proposed approach emphasises a clearer definition, structured jurisdiction across agencies and a balance between rehabilitative interventions and enforcement.
In addition, the meeting examined significant losses caused by online scams, with police reporting 47,854 cases recorded up to September involving losses amounting to RM1.919 billion.
“This rising trend demands an integrated approach in prevention strategies, including digital education, cross-agency monitoring and more effective consumer protection,” Ahmad Zahid said. – Bernama
