Malaysia allocates RM728.5 million for welfare aid

Malaysia's Social Welfare Department has disbursed approximately RM728.5 million nationwide up to June 2026 to support senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PwD), and chronic patients.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri stated that the funds were distributed through the Senior Citizen Assistance (BWE) and the Assistance for Care of Bedridden Persons with Disabilities and Bedridden Chronic Patients (BPT) programs. As of June, 170,133 recipients received BWE totaling RM609 million, while 42,036 recipients received BPT amounting to RM119.5 million.

In Sarawak, 23,034 senior citizens received RM94.3 million under BWE, and 3,235 BPT recipients received RM10.4 million. Minister Shukri emphasized the need to strengthen the care ecosystem through the SPeKTRUM programme, which provides caregivers with training, psychosocial support, and motivation to prevent them from neglecting their own health while caring for others.