Welfare aid in Malaysia now supports 556,300 individuals with RM2.28 billion yearly, prompting a review of income eligibility due to rising living costs
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 556,300 individuals currently receive welfare assistance amounting to RM2.28 billion annually.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri revealed this figure represents a significant increase from just over 200,000 recipients previously.
She said the sharp rise indicates the need to review income eligibility thresholds due to rising living costs, particularly in urban areas.
“The Social Welfare Department applies the food poverty line income of RM1,169, but this is not the only benchmark,” Nancy told the Dewan Rakyat.
“We also take into account the applicants’ needs and overall circumstances.”
She was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff regarding poverty alleviation programmes and eligibility revisions.
Nancy confirmed the proposal to revisit income criteria had been raised before and her ministry is ready to bring it forward with parliamentary support.
Separately, she announced the Social Welfare Department will implement a new payment system by early 2027.
The current system has reached its operational limit, causing some recipients to receive aid after the scheduled date.
JKM aims to complete all payments before the 10th of each month but faces challenges with the outdated platform.
“This is because the current system, which has been in use for a long time, now requires a complete overhaul,” she said.
Nancy confirmed payments are currently made via Electronic Funds Transfer into any bank account selected by recipients.
She was responding to an original question from Cha Kee Chin regarding timely disbursement of various welfare assistance programmes. – Bernama
