Initiatives help vulnerable groups sustain livelihood and ease financial burden,enabling independent living,says ministry
PETALING JAYA: Over 560,000 Malaysians have received aid worth RM2.03 billion from the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry as of August 2025.
The assistance benefited persons with disabilities (PwD), senior citizens living alone and single mothers struggling with financial and caregiving challenges.
In a written reply to the parliament website yesterday, the ministry said the aid was distributed through the Social Welfare Department to help recipients sustain their livelihoods and ease their financial burden, with the goal of enabling them to eventually live independently.
“Several targeted initiatives are being implemented, including monthly financial aid under schemes such as the Children’s Assistance, Senior Citizens Assistance, Allowance for Disabled Workers and Assistance for the Care of PwDs or Bedridden Chronic Patients,” it said.
The ministry has also enhanced its Two-Year Exit Programme to empower recipients to become self-reliant through entrepreneurship with the capital assistance under this programme increasing to RM5,000 to help participants generate sustainable income.
“Additionally, the Home Help Services Programme mobilises community members and volunteers to care for and protect senior citizens and persons with disabilities living alone.
“The welfare department also operates institutions to provide care and protection for children, the elderly and PwD, while community-based initiatives such as the Senior Citizens Activity Centre and Community-Based Rehabilitation Centre promote active ageing and social inclusion.”
The ministry said the government remains committed to helping vulnerable groups sustain their livelihoods and achieve self-reliance through various support programmes.
The ministry is also developing a National Care Economy Framework to recognise and empower the care sector as a key catalyst for inclusive and sustainable development in the country.
It said the initiative is in line with the Asean Declaration on the Right to a Safe, Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment, by emphasising close relationship between environmental care, wellbeing and sustainability.
Meanwhile, the Health Ministry is ramping up rehabilitation services and upgrading facilities with advanced technology to support Malaysia’s ageing population, which is expected to surpass 15% by 2036.
The ministry said the move aims to help senior citizens stay healthy, independent and supported by a sustainable healthcare system.
“Currently, 1,103 health clinics nationwide offer free basic rehabilitation for Malaysians, including early detection of physical or cognitive decline and intervention programmes such as therapeutic exercises, fall prevention, and caregiver training.
“These services are provided by 1,053 rehabilitation professionals, comprising physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists,” it said in a written reply.
For complex cases, patients are referred to hospitals offering specialised programmes like stroke, cardiac, pulmonary and elderly rehabilitation, supported by 2,866 trained professionals.
