GEORGE TOWN: Penang has allocated RM50.93mil for 281,135 recipients under Phase One of the i-Sejahtera aid programme for 2026, says Chow Kon Yeow.
The Penang Chief Minister said the assistance will be disbursed via electronic fund transfer with payments set to begin on Feb 7.
"For phase one of 2026, the allocation would benefit 211,471 recipients under the senior citizens programme, as well as 42,674 housewives, 16,694 persons with disabilities (OKU) and 10,296 single mothers.
"The programme is a manifestation of the state government’s ongoing commitment to the well-being of the people, particularly vulnerable groups such as senior citizens, the disabled, single mothers and housewives," he said during a press conference in Komtar on Tuesday (Feb 3).
Chow said while the allocation of the aid amounted to about 5% of the state’s revenue, the slightly lower allocation compared with 2025 reflects a more targeted and focused approach.
"In 2025, the state government spent RM56.76mil to benefit 290,629 recipients through various i-Sejahtera programmes.
"This is in line with updated recipient data and eligibility screening to ensure assistance reaches those who are truly eligible and in need," he said.
Chow added that the initiative goes beyond financial aid and served as recognition of the contributions and roles played by these groups in the state’s social and economic development.
"These included appreciation programmes for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and young children (anak emas) which provided RM200 per recipient, with the latter given as a one-off payment, as well as for single mothers and housewives (suri emas), which provided RM100 per recipient.
Chow said applications submitted after Jan 10 this year would be processed for payment under Phase Two of the 2026 programme.
Also present was Penang social development, welfare and non-Islamic religious affairs committee chairman Lim Siew Khim.
Registration could be done via the official i-Sejahtera website at https://isejahtera.penang.gov.my and applicants were encouraged to update their bank account details to ensure smooth payment processing.
