QuickCheck: Is a ministry offering RM500 cash aid to senior citizens as per a viral claim?

A MESSAGE has been circulating on social media claiming that RM500 monetary aid will be given to senior citizens this year. Is this true?

VERDICT:

FALSE

The Social Welfare Department has dismissed the claims circulating on Facebook and Telegram as false.

"Accurate information about any assistance is only displayed on the department's official portal.

"Please visit www.jkm.gov.my for more information," it said in a Facebook post on Dec 30.

The fake news was also accompanied by a photo of Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.

Also featured was a statement related to Budget 2023, claiming that a large amount of funds had been allocated to help those eligible.

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