EFFECTIVE implementation of income tax relief for individuals covering their elderly parents’ healthcare bills and for families with children with disabilities is essential to ensure that those in need can benefit fully.
B40 families welcomed this relief, emphasising that how the funds are allocated will significantly impact their well-being.
Alex Yeoh, 40, who cares for his elderly mother in Bandar Baru Air Itam, Penang, said the tax relief would help him manage his mother’s annual hospital treatment costs.
“This is timely, and as a son taking care of my ageing mother, I feel relieved and grateful,” he shared.
During the presentation of Budget 2025, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced plans to review individual income tax relief related to sports and healthcare to ensure the welfare of senior citizens.
This includes tax relief for individuals footing their parents’ full medical examination costs, which will be extended to cover vaccination expenses.
Parents will also be included in the tax relief for sports equipment and activities expenses while grandparents will be covered as part of the relief for parents’ medical treatment costs.
Additionally, the government will revise individual income tax exemptions on childcare allowances to include care for senior citizens, while tax deductions for employers providing childcare allowances will also be extended to cover elderly care.
Executive Hasliza Nusi, 41, welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement that households receiving Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) will also benefit from a Basic Rahmah Contribution (Sara) of RM100 per month.
“With rising food prices, this will help ease the burden on the rakyat buying essential goods,” she noted, calling the announcement long-awaited news.
Anwar announced in the Budget 2025 that next year, a total of four million STR recipients will enjoy the incentive.
Mohd Rodzi Harun, 48, a father of three, including two children with disabilities, hopes the Sara and individual income tax relief for those with children with disability, could help him and his wife save some money.
“Taking care of two disabled children is not easy. I had to quit my job to take care of my children so that my wife could work,” he said.
Mohd Rodzi, however, stressed the importance of monitoring the execution of Budget 2025 to ensure the intended beneficiaries truly receive support.
He also praised the government’s initiative to address the high cost of living by introducing the RM100 Sara monthly payment.
