Over RM720 mil spent on welfare aid for seniors, PwD, chronic patients - Nancy
KUCHING: The Social Welfare Department has spent about RM728.5 million to support the welfare of senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PwD) and chronic patients nationwide as of June this year.
In June 2026, the Social Welfare Department in Malaysia had spent approximately RM728.5 million to provide assistance to senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PwD), and chronic patients across the nation. The funds were allocated through two programs: the Senior Citizen Assistance (BWE) and the Assistance for Care of Bedridden Persons with Disabilities and Bedridden Chronic Patients (BPT).
Nancy Shukri, the Women, Family and Community Development Minister, highlighted that the BWE program benefitted 23,034 senior citizens in Sarawak alone, with an allocation of over RM94.3 million. Additionally, more than RM10.4 million had been channeled to 3,235 recipients of the BPT program in the state. Nationwide, as of June 2026, a total of 42,036 individuals had received assistance, with an expenditure of more than RM119.5 million.
To alleviate the burden on families, the Social Welfare Department also supports caregivers for bedridden persons with disabilities, chronic patients, and non-bedridden chronic patients who meet the eligibility criteria. Nancy emphasized the importance of strengthening the country's care ecosystem, particularly in ensuring the welfare of caregivers who look after these vulnerable groups.
She stressed that caring for the frail and bedridden should not solely be the responsibility of families, and stressed the need for strong support from various sectors. Through the SPeKTRUM program, caregivers receive training, psychosocial support, and motivation to ensure they can provide the best care without compromising their health.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
