KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 10 (Bernama) -- The government has increased the welfare allocation for senior citizens to RM1.26 billion under Budget 2026, benefiting 180,000 elderly individuals, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the allocation includes pocket money, socioeconomic assistance, and the development of activity centres for the elderly.
“We are moving towards becoming an ageing nation by 2043. Preparations must begin now to ensure the well-being of senior citizens while strengthening the care economy and social solidarity.
“The National Ageing Framework 2025–2045 will be formulated as a comprehensive strategic guide and will be launched at the ASEAN-level ‘New Frontiers on Care’ conference this November,” Anwar said when tabling Budget 2026 in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He said the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) focuses on developing a sustainable, high-quality, accessible, and affordable care service ecosystem.
“The government will also establish a national standard for the care sector, which will serve as the foundation for recognising this sector as a professional field,” he said.
Anwar said the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) will offer Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses for care workers, with an allocation of RM5 million.
The Retirement Fund (Incorporated) [KWAP], with a commitment of RM300 million, has initiated a pilot project for independent senior housing on ‘Baitulmal’ land in Kepala Batas, Penang, in collaboration with the Penang Islamic Religious Council.
“KWAP is also assessing the potential for similar projects in other locations to benefit more low-income senior citizens,” he said.
Anwar also announced that the existing double tax deduction for companies sponsoring training programmes for persons with disabilities (PWDs) will be extended to include sponsorship of accredited care worker training programmes recognised by KPWKM.
-- BERNAMA
