Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad. -Bernama filepic
MUAR: Budget 2025 is complete in terms of covering the needs of target groups under the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry – such as persons with disabilities (OKU) and elderly folk.
Its deputy minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad, who said this, added that the ministry’s allocation of RM3.64bil for operating and development expenditure was aimed at intensifying efforts to assist these groups.
“This allocation is increased from the RM3.4bil under Budget 2024,” she told reporters after opening the Zero Tolerance Against Violence @KPWKM Anti-Sexual Harassment Advocacy programme here yesterday.
Noraini said the government’s emphasis was crucial as Malaysia transitions towards becoming an ageing nation by 2030, by when 15.3% of the population is expected to be aged 60 and above.
She said part of the funding will go towards supporting Senior Citizens Activity Centres (Pawe), adding that there were plans to expand the number of centres this year.
Noraini said an additional RM8mil has been allocated for Social Support Centres (PSSS).
“The government has also increased funding for the Women’s Leadership Apprenticeship Programme (Perantis) to RM7mil, up from RM5mil this year.
“Perantis has received positive support from women, and we intend to use the extra 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.
Also announced was assistance for the OKU group, by increasing their tax relief to RM8,000.
