Hannah Yeoh urges review of Budget 2027 allocation to improve care for older Malaysians in FT

PUTRAJAYA, October 11 — Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh has called for a reassessment of the budget allocation for 2027 to enhance the care and welfare of senior citizens. She emphasized the necessity of adapting existing programs to better suit the physical and social needs of the elderly, including those in bed, living alone, or bereaved of spouses. Yeoh pointed out that the requirements of a 60-year-old diverge significantly from those of an 80-year-old, and programs should cater to these varying needs.

During the Putrajaya-level Federal Territories Senior Citizens' Day celebration, Hannah highlighted the critical issue of loneliness among the elderly, particularly those living alone or who have lost their spouses. She warned that despite having multiple children and grandchildren, they could still experience profound loneliness due to the hectic schedules of their family members.

To address this, she proposed that community centres and places of worship extend support to senior citizens who have lost their spouses by organizing follow-up activities to prevent them from feeling isolated.

Moreover, Hannah pledged her backing for the Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development's initiatives aimed at empowering vulnerable groups, including senior citizens.