The Social Welfare Department has disbursed RM2.03 billion to 562,116 welfare recipients from January to August this year, with seniors being the largest group
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of RM2.03 billion has been disbursed to 562,116 welfare recipients under the Social Welfare Department (JKM) from January to August this year.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri provided the figures in a parliamentary reply today.
She said the recipients comprised 267,036 men and 295,080 women.
“According to JKM statistics, in 2022, 533,167 recipients received RM2.46 billion, while in 2023 the number of beneficiaries increased to 543,811 with an allocation of RM2.53 billion,” she said.
Regarding ethnic composition, Nancy said 316,471 recipients were Malay, 92,749 were Chinese, and 61,833 were Indian.
She noted 1,124 were Peninsular Native, 44,969 were Sabah Native, 39,398 were Sarawak Native, and 5,621 were from other ethnic groups.
The largest age group of beneficiaries were senior citizens aged 60 and above, comprising 248,831 recipients of Bantuan Warga Emas.
Responding to a question about eligible vulnerable groups not receiving aid, Nancy explained that every application is carefully assessed through field investigations.
“Based on assessments and investigations by our officers, some applications do not meet eligibility criteria,” she said.
Factors for rejection include applicants who are not Malaysian citizens or families with incomes above the eligibility limit.
Other reasons include applicants having adult children who are employed and able to work, or having alternative income sources such as pensions.
Nancy said JKM provides multiple channels to facilitate applications, including online submissions, to ensure aid reaches those who are genuinely eligible. – Bernama
