Perak exco hopes Budget 2027 will prioritise welfare of older rural residents

IPOH, September 5 — The Perak state government is hoping that the 2027 Budget will prioritize the welfare of senior citizens residing in rural areas, with a focus on housing, basic amenities, mobility, and digital access. State committee chairman Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun emphasized the growing elderly population and the migration of young people to urban areas, which have left some senior citizens in rural regions, especially those living alone, with limited support facilities.

Approximately 10.2% of Perak's population, or around 267,600 people aged 65 and above, were reported in 2025. Mohd Zolkafly drew attention to the need for housing improvements, as many low-income groups in rural areas live in dilapidated houses that are no longer economically viable to repair. He proposed utilizing the People's Prosperity Housing Programme (PPRS) for new house construction and repairs, prioritizing the rural B40 group residing in these substandard properties.

Additionally, Mohd Zolkafly stressed the importance of fostering a rural economic ecosystem that generates more employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for the youth, rather than merely providing basic amenities. He also highlighted the necessity of Federal Government support in local economic development, agro-entrepreneurship, micro-businesses, food processing industries, and the digital economy.

This support should aim to equip community entrepreneurs, particularly rural youths, with skills relevant to industry needs, particularly in the agri-food sector, which increasingly relies on technology, mechanization, and automation. The State Government also suggested strengthening human capital via the Skills and Career Training Programme, which offers the Malaysian Skills Certificate, focusing on producing skilled human capital in the agri-food, mechanization, automation, and agricultural technology sectors.