{
  "id": 2711285,
  "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",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-23T04:04:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/08/23/budget-2027-social-welfare-dept-requests-increase-in-rm500-caregiver-assistance-for-bedridden-patients/232378"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "PUTRAJAYA, Aug 23 — The Social Welfare Department (JKM) has requested an increase in monthly assistance for caregivers of bedridden patients under Budget 2027. Director-General Datuk Che Murad Sayang Ramjan stated that caregivers currently receive RM500 monthly, but the amount should be increased to alleviate the burden of caring for patients. JKM has also asked for additional allocations to support disadvantaged groups in society. While acknowledging the government's financial limitations, Che Murad Sayang emphasized the importance of this request to support those less fortunate. JKM volunteers play a crucial role in disaster relief and identifying community needs, providing valuable information to JKM to formulate policies and implement welfare programs. As of July 2026, 7,294 individuals had registered as JKM volunteers, predominantly aged between 40 and 60. These volunteers work alongside government agencies without compensation, ready to assist in community challenges. The 2026 JKM Volunteer Convention aimed to foster knowledge-sharing among volunteers, NGOs, and government agencies to enhance service delivery to target groups. Che Murad Sayang recognized and awarded outstanding volunteers and Community Inspiration Icons at the event, acknowledging their dedication and contributions to society.",
  "summary": "PUTRAJAYA, Aug 23 — The Social Welfare Department (JKM) has submitted a request to the Finance Ministry for an inc...",
  "key_points": [
    "Social Welfare Dept seeks RM500 increase for bedridden caregivers in Budget 2027",
    "JKM Director-General emphasizes alleviating caregiver burden with higher assistance",
    "7,294 JKM volunteers registered in July 2026, aged 40-60"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The proposed increase in caregiver assistance reflects a push to alleviate the burden on caregivers of bedridden patients, acknowledging their crucial yet often undercompensated role in supporting vulnerable individuals.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "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"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}