{
  "id": 2706831,
  "title": "Dept seeks higher monthly aid for caregivers of bedridden patients",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/dept-seeks-higher-monthly-aid-for-caregivers-of-bedridden-patients-2706831",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-23T02:29:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/08/23/dept-seeks-higher-monthly-aid-for-caregivers-of-bedridden-patients"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The social welfare department (JKM) has requested an increase in monthly support for caregivers of bedridden patients in the 2027 budget, according to its director-general, Che Murad Sayang Ramjan. Currently, the department provides a monthly allowance of RM500 to these caregivers. Che Murad has also urged the government to allocate additional funds to better assist disadvantaged groups in society. Despite acknowledging the government's financial limitations, Che Murad believes the enhanced assistance is crucial for supporting those less fortunate in Malaysia. JKM volunteers play a vital role in disaster relief efforts and as community advocates, gathering information on local needs to inform policy and welfare programs. As of July, 7,294 individuals, primarily aged between 40 and 60, with 5,286 being women, have registered as JKM volunteers.",
  "summary": "Social welfare department director-general Che Murad Sayang Ramjan says it has asked the government to raise the RM500 monthly allowance.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bernama",
        "title": "General : Budget 2027: JKM Seeks Higher Monthly Aid For Bedridden Patient Caregivers",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/general-budget-2027-jkm-seeks-higher-monthly-aid-for-bedridden",
        "published": "2026-08-23T00:37:05.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Dept seeks higher monthly aid for caregivers of bedridden patients",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/dept-seeks-higher-monthly-aid-for-caregivers-of-bedridden-patients",
        "published": "2026-08-23T02:29:12.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Budget 2027: Social Welfare Dept requests increase in RM500 caregiver assistance for bedridden patients",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/budget-2027-social-welfare-dept-requests-increase-in-rm500-caregiver",
        "published": "2026-08-23T04:04:36.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}