{
  "id": 18032711,
  "title": "Working or retired? Here is what Budget 2027 offers Malaysians over 60",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/working-or-retired-here-is-what-budget-2027-offers-malaysians-over-60",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-03T23:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/11/04/working-or-retired-here-is-what-budget-2027-offers-malaysians-over-60/240076"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Malaysia's 2027 budget, the government offers a range of support measures for individuals aged 60 and above. Regardless of whether they are still working, retired, or managing elder care, the budget provides tailored assistance. One of the key financial measures is an increase in cash aid through STR and SARA, totalling RM16 billion. The SARA assistance, offering up to RM150 monthly, will now be extended to all eligible STR recipients, benefiting up to nine million Malaysians. Additionally, the government will provide a special SARA Madani assistance of RM100 twice a year to eligible adults who don't qualify for STR, adding an extra RM200 boost around major events like Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Merdeka celebrations. For those still earning, individual income tax relief will rise from RM9,000 to RM12,000, starting from the 2027 assessment year. There will also be a reduction in tax rates for specific income brackets, leaving eligible taxpayers with an additional RM1,600 in disposable income. Retirees looking to manage their savings can take advantage of the EPF i-Emas scheme, which allows monthly withdrawals starting at age 55. This scheme lets members schedule monthly payouts of at least RM100 for a minimum of 12 months. The government is also expanding tax relief for aged care expenses, covering a wider range of care services and removing the requirement for a medical practitioner's verification. Moreover, the service tax on elderly care services will decrease from 8% to 6%, with qualifying centres potentially exempted from the tax entirely if their annual fees are below RM96,000. The budget also allocates RM1.3 billion to support nearly 200,000 older Malaysians through the Bantuan Warga Emas (BWE) programme. Civil servants retiring will see their minimum monthly pension increase from RM1,000 to RM1,350, while a special financial assistance payout of RM750 will be distributed to over one million government retirees. These measures collectively aim to provide greater financial support and security for Malaysia's aging population.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 — Reaching 60 does not automatically mean clocking out for good, drawing a pension, or qu...",
  "key_points": [
    "Budget 2027 offers RM16 billion cash aid increase for Malaysians over 60",
    "SARA assistance extended to all eligible STR recipients, benefiting up to nine million",
    "Retirees' minimum monthly pension increases from RM1,000 to RM1,350"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}