Budget 2027 grants nearly RM3.3b for JKM aid, raises OKU caregiver aid and cuts tax on elderly care.
PUTRAJAYA: Nearly RM3.3 billion has been allocated for Social Welfare Department (JKM) assistance under Budget 2027, reflecting the government’s commitment to easing the burden on vulnerable groups, the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry (KPWKM) said.
In a statement today, the ministry said the welfare of women, children, families, persons with disabilities (OKU), senior citizens and other vulnerable groups remained a priority.
It said the allocation would help them cope with rising living costs and the country’s changing demographic needs, adding that the funds should be viewed as a social investment rather than merely financial assistance.
The aim is to expand access to quality care, create safer and more inclusive environments, and enable recipients to live more independently and with dignity.
For senior citizens, RM1.3 billion has been allocated for Senior Citizens’ Assistance (Bantuan Warga Emas), benefiting nearly 200,000 recipients.
Two Integrated Care Centres of Excellence (NICE) will be developed in Penang and Sarawak, alongside efforts to strengthen the care workforce and draft legislation on senior citizens.
The service tax on elderly care services will also be reduced from 8% to 6% from Jan 1, 2027, to help ease care costs.
AGECOPE Malaysia president Delren Telrence Douglas welcomed the tax reduction and the anticipated relief on elderly care fees, saying cooperation among the government, service providers and the community was essential to widening access to quality care.
KENDANA Malaysia president Rashidi Yahya also supported efforts to strengthen the care economy under the Malaysia Care Strategic Framework and Action Plan 2026-2030.
He pledged continued cooperation with KPWKM to develop a more organised, sustainable and inclusive care sector.
For OKU, RM1.5 billion in assistance will benefit more than 300,000 recipients.
Monthly assistance for bedridden OKU and chronic patients will increase from RM500 to RM600 to help ease the burden on caregivers.
Eligibility for the OKU Workers’ Allowance will also be extended to those earning up to RM2,000, while 15 Community-Based Rehabilitation (PDK) centres will be upgraded to provide therapy for children with Down syndrome.
The measures are intended to widen access to employment, rehabilitation and early intervention services.
On child welfare, KPWKM said it would continue efforts to ease families’ financial burdens, particularly in meeting basic needs and supporting children’s development.
Child Assistance (Bantuan Kanak-Kanak) stands at RM250 a month for children aged six and below, and RM200 for those aged seven to 18.
To empower women, the RM200 million Sejahtera MADANI Grant will provide 40,000 recipients, mainly women, with equipment and training to help them generate income.
The initiative complements efforts to develop women’s potential and leadership, alongside support for single mothers.
Tax relief for postnatal care services will also be extended, while maternity leave facilities for civil servants will be improved to support mothers’ well-being.
The government will also strengthen family support through the Fertility Treatment Assistance and Infertility Advocacy Programme (BuAi), which will cover 2,000 couples.
The National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) will also expand its men’s wellness services.
KPWKM said the success of Budget 2027 should be measured by tangible improvements in people’s lives rather than the amount of assistance distributed.
It added that cooperation among the government, private sector, service providers and the community would be strengthened to ensure children were protected, women had greater opportunities, families received support, and senior citizens and OKU could live well and with dignity.
Further details on the allocations are available at belanjawan.my.
