Kuala lumpur: 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.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar emphasized the importance of moving towards becoming an ageing nation by 2043 and highlighted the necessity to prepare now for the well-being of senior citizens. He mentioned that the National Ageing Framework 2025-2045 will be formulated as a strategic guide and launched at the ASEAN-level 'New Frontiers on Care' conference this November.

He further explained that the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) aims to develop a sustainable, high-quality, accessible, and affordable care service ecosystem. Anwar noted that the government plans to establish a national standard for the care sector, which will serve as the foundation for recognizing this sector as a professional field.

The Prime Minister announced that 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. Anwar highlighted that 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.

He added that KWAP is assessing the potential for similar projects in other locations to benefit more low-income senior citizens. Anwar also revealed 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 recognized by KPWKM.