KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 – As part of its effort to support the empowerment of specific groups of people, the Madani government announced special allocations for the elderly, disabled and the Orang Asli in Budget 2024.
“In accordance with the aim of inclusive development, efforts will continue to be made to ensure equality of opportunity between the people and to provide specific assistance for certain groups, especially the vulnerable and those in need of help,” said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Senior Citizens
In 2024, RM1 billion has been earmarked to protect the wellbeing of the elderly in Malaysia.
This allocation will be used to fund cash assistance and the channelling of grants to elder care and activity centres for senior citizens, said Anwar.
“The government proposes that an industry building allowance be given to private nursing facilities for the elderly that has been approved by the Ministry of Health at a rate of 10 per cent of the cost of the building constructed or purchased including modifications made for each year of assessment,” said Anwar.
“The allowance will be given for approved expenses made from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2026.”
Disabled Individuals (OKU)
The government also announced an allocation of RM1.2 billion to be channelled to the care of chronically-ill disabled people, disabled people who cannot work, and an allowance for the disabled who are employed.
“Next year, the allowance rate for trainers of the disabled who follow the Rehabilitation Within the Community Programme will be RM300 a month, instead of RM150,” said Anwar.
“This increase will benefit over 18,000 OKU trainers with an allocation of RM30 million.”
The government will also provide RM50 million in special financing facilities by Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) for OKU micro entrepreneurs.
Orang Asli
The Orang Asli community will receive an increase in allocation to RM333 million in Budget 2024 from RM305 million.
This allocation will be channelled towards the implementation of socioeconomic projects, infrastructural development projects in Orang Asli villages, and provision of social assistance.
“For example, RM28 million has been earmarked for the Orang Asli entrepreneur development programme and the replanting of Orang Asli plantations in Batang Padang, Perak and Hulu Langat Selangor,” said Anwar.
