Budget 2021: Kinder towards senior citizens

Budget 2021 shows that the government is aware that the population is fast ageing and that the country needs to be prepared, says Fu. Filepic

Senior citizens are pleased that the Budget 2021 has taken into consideration the needs of the country's elderly. Among the allocations for seniors is increased funding for Citizen Activity Centres (PAWE) from RM33,000 a year to RM50,000 as well as additional tax deductions for employers who hire seniors. These deductions will continue until 2025.

Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz also announced an increase in monthly welfare aid for senior citizens, caregivers of people with disabilities and bedridden chronic patients from RM350 to RM500. Through the Home Support Services Programme for senior citizens and people with disabilities, the cash amount for volunteers will go up from RM150 to a maximum of RM400.