The Prime Minister’s Office has dismissed as “misleading” a viral WhatsApp message implying that all senior citizens irrespective of financial status are eligible for RM600 in monthly welfare aid.
An aide to the prime minister said this aid was only for households with a monthly income under the poverty line of RM1,198.
“This aid is specifically for this group of Malaysian senior citizens and not a blanket payment for all.
“Another category is for seniors who are living on their own without any financial help,” he told FMT.
Several netizens have taken to various social media platforms to ask if the viral message is true and whether all senior citizens are eligible to receive RM600 from the government every month.
The text message is vague as it does not mention the maximum household income of recipients.
According to the social welfare department, “hardcore poor” refers to households with a monthly income of less than RM1,198.
Only senior citizens whose households have a monthly combined total income of less than the threshold are eligible for the aid. Those without children, whether living on their own or with relatives or guardians, are also eligible.
Senior citizens whose household incomes are higher than the hardcore poverty threshold can appeal for special consideration for the monthly aid.
