She said the centres, which would impose a minimal rate, would make it easier for civil servants, especially women, who had to take care of elderly family members.

“This is a government initiative to bring women who have quit their jobs due to caregiving responsibilities back into the workforce” she told a press conference after the launch of the “MindCare: proactive mental health support for caregiving communities” campaign here.

Nancy said it would also help boost female labour participation inline with the ministry’s target of 59% by 2025.

“To achieve the percentage, the government has to do its part to make sure that women can go back to work, daycare centres must be available, or even elderly care centres, because they may also have parents who need to be looked after.

“The country needs women to come back to work,” she said, adding that the private sector should also consider providing such services.

The ministry plans to launch a respite care centre, comprising an elderly care centre as well as a daycare centre, in a new government facility in Nibong Tebal, Penang, next year.