Kuala lumpur: The National Unity Ministry is considering raising the annual grant for active Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT) to RM10,000 as part of an initiative to enhance community empowerment, unity, and economic growth.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang highlighted that there are currently 8,586 KRTs across the country, each receiving an annual grant of RM6,000 to support programs focused on community safety, welfare, and well-being. The ministry acknowledges the current funding is insufficient for KRTs to take on more significant roles and is exploring options to increase the grant to RM10,000, contingent on each KRT's level of activity. This was discussed during the debate on the 2026 Supply Bill (Budget 2026) for the ministry at the Dewan Rakyat.

Since the inauguration of the Progressive Rukun Tetangga Empowerment Plan in 2023, 504 community economic projects have been executed, encompassing food enterprises, community tourism, handicrafts, and non-food products.

In a related development, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri announced that Senior Citizens Activity Centres (PAWE) aiming to offer elderly care services, such as daycare or residential care, must update their registration under the Care Centres Act 1993 (Act 506). PAWEs, typically involved in recreational, social, and educational activities to promote independent living among senior citizens, are not currently authorized to operate as daycare centers.

Nancy stated that PAWEs with appropriate facilities and conditions can update their registration to offer daycare services under Act 506, which requires trained carers, adequate facilities, and adherence to space-to-occupant ratios to ensure the safety and well-being of senior citizens. Presently, 193 PAWEs are operational nationwide, benefiting over 50,000 senior citizens with activities such as exercise, religious programs, and digital literacy training.