KUALA LUMPUR: Monthly welfare aid such as Children’s Aid, Disabled Workers’ Allowance and Senior Citizens’ Aid is being targeted for payment by the 10th of each month.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri (pic) said the ministry, through the Social Welfare Department, was committed to that timeline, although some recipients still faced delays.
“The aim is to disburse the assistance no later than the 10th of each month. We acknowledge that there is a small percentage who receive it after the targeted date because the current system requires a comprehensive upgrade after operating for so long and reaching its maximum capacity,” she told Parliament yesterday.
Nancy said the department was developing a new payment system to improve speed and reliability, which is expected to be operational by early 2027.
Presently, all payments are made via electronic funds transfer directly into recipients’ bank accounts, and beneficiaries may choose the bank most convenient for them.
Nancy said 556,300 individuals were receiving welfare assistance totalling RM2.28bil a year, an increase from just over 200,000 recipients previously.
She said the surge in numbers underlined the need to reassess income eligibility due to the rising cost of living, mainly in urban areas.
“The department uses the Poverty Line Income for food at RM1,169 as a reference, but it is not the only criterion.
“We also assess the needs and circumstances of applicants,” she said in reply to Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff (PN–Rantau Panjang) who asked about the proportion of productive and non-productive recipients, effectiveness of programmes and whether income thresholds should be reviewed.
Nancy said the proposal to revisit income eligibility had been raised before and the ministry was prepared to put it forward again with parliamentary support.
Earlier, responding to Rasah MP Cha Kee Chin, the minister outlined the broader support framework for the urban poor, single mothers and vulnerable groups.
Beyond monthly aid, she said the government also channelled direct assistance through other ministries and agencies, including Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) and the Urban Poverty Eradication Programme.
