MUAR: Budget 2025 is seen as a persons with disabilities (OKU) and elderly-friendly budget that has covered all the needs of the target groups under the Women, Family, and Community Development Ministry, says Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad.
The Deputy Minister said that the ministry has been allocated RM3.64bil for operating and development expenditure, aimed at intensifying efforts to empower these groups.
She added that the budget's focus on the well-being of the people, particularly vulnerable communities, is reflected in the increased financial support.
"The allocation this year is persons with disabilities (OKU) and elderly-friendly, and we hope the aid provided will help them continue their lives and ease their burdens.
"This allocation is an increase of RM3.4bil compared to the previous year's budget, with the majority of the aid designated to assist OKU and the elderly," she said.
She said this when met by reporters after officiating the Zero Tolerance Against Violence Programme @KPWKM Anti-Sexual Harassment Advocacy at Pagoh Education Hub Convention Centre, here, on Sunday (Oct 20).
She added that this is crucial as Malaysia transitions towards becoming an ageing nation by 2030, where 15.3% of the population is expected to be aged 60 and above.
She added that part of the funding will support the Senior Citizens Activity Centres (Pawe) programme, with plans to expand the number of centres this year.
An additional RM8mil has also been allocated for Social Support Centres (PSSS).
“The government has also increased funding for the Women’s Leadership Apprenticeship Programme (Perantis) to RM7mil for next year, up from RM5mil this year.
"Perantis has received positive support from women, and we intend to use the RM7mil allocation to enhance some of the initiatives introduced this year," she added.
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.
He also announced that the tax relief for OKU would be increased to RM8,000.
“Additional tax relief for disabled spouses has increased to RM6,000, and tax relief for unmarried disabled children has been raised to RM8,000,” he said.
