KUCHING: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry is seeking an additional RM168mil in its allocation under Budget 2027.
Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the proposed increase was mainly for welfare programmes and improving the livelihood of target groups.
"We currently have an allocation of about RM3bil for welfare recipients.
"With the additional RM168mil we are proposing, our allocation may be closer to RM4bil, including extra funds for welfare if there is an increase in recipients," she told reporters after launching care sector initiatives under the Madani Budget 2026 here on Monday (Aug 24).
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Nancy said the proposed increase in allocation would mainly go to the Social Welfare Department, including for caregivers.
"This is a new thing that we have, caregiving to support women who are heads of households, families and senior citizens," she said, adding that the ministry had submitted its budget proposals to the Finance Ministry.
"We were told we were doing the right things because our proposals focused on helping our target groups.
"We will only know the exact amount when the Budget is tabled on Oct 9," she said.
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On the care sector, Nancy said her ministry was confident of achieving its target of 50,000 professional caregivers in the country by 2030.
"This year we are targeting 2,000 caregivers, focusing only on those caring for senior citizens.
"But the 50,000 target will be more comprehensive, involving caring for the disabled and children as well," she said.
In her speech earlier, Nancy said proper care must begin with learning.
"Good intentions and love are not enough if not accompanied by knowledge, skills and awareness about the needs of the person being cared for.
"Based on this principle, the ministry aims to produce 50,000 skilled caregivers by 2030," she said.
