The welfare allocation for senior citizens will be raised to RM1.26 billion, benefitting 180,000 elderly individuals, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said in tabling the 2026 budget estimates.
Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said the allocation includes providing pocket money and 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 conference in November,” he said when tabling the budget in the Dewan Rakyat today, Bernama reported.
“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 will offer technical and vocational education and training courses for care workers, with an allocation of RM5 million.
He said the Retirement Fund Inc, 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.
The fund is also assessing the potential for similar projects in other locations to benefit more low-income senior citizens, he said.
Anwar also announced an extension of a double tax deduction for companies that sponsor training programmes for persons with disabilities. The deduction will now include sponsorship of accredited care worker training programmes.
