PETALING JAYA: Senior citizens welcome Budget 2027’s senior care initiatives, but urge the government to turn proposals into timely, practical support.
Among the initiatives announced were a proposed Senior Citizens Bill to address neglect and strengthen the elder care system, RM1.3bil aid for nearly 200,000 senior recipients, and a tax reduction on elder care services from eight per cent to six per cent from Jan 1, 2027.
Other goodies announced include a full tax exemption on care fees up to RM96,000 per year.
Over RM40mil will be allocated through HRD Corp to train 8,000 people for the elder care sector, while two National Integrated Care Excellence (NICE) centres will be built in Penang and Sarawak for training, research and care services.
There are also plans to upgrade two daycare centres for senior folk in Taman Desa and Cheras in Kuala Lumpur.
Other plans include a 22km covered pedestrian walkway connecting major Kuala Lumpur landmarks, residential areas and public facilities, as well as buggies to help visitors, including senior citizens, get around popular sites.
Gerontologist and advocate for seniors, Lily Fu, said the measures were good but said they must be assessed by how effectively they address older people’s needs.
She questions whether buggies ferrying visitors between tourist attractions would significantly benefit seniors.
“Instead of buggies ferrying visitors from one landmark to another, why not provide free bus transport for seniors going to hospitals for check-ups?” said Fu.
She hailed the proposed tax exemption for elder care fees, but says other pressing concerns remain, including long waits at public hospitals, support for long-term care and access to subsidised medical devices such as wheelchairs and hearing aids.
Fu says the government must provide greater clarity on implementation timelines, the number of people who will benefit and how assistance will reach those who need it most.
The Association for Residential Aged Care Operators (Agecope) Malaysia’s president, Delren Terrence Douglas, said tax relief should be expanded to cover more family members who bear the cost of elder care.
“The relief should also cover unmarried individuals whose siblings, nephews or nieces pay for their care, ensuring that those who take on the financial responsibility of supporting senior family members are not excluded.”
Grandmother of four, Daisy Rita Savarimuthu, thanked the government for the benefits and support extended to senior citizens in Budget 2027.
“Initiatives such as reduction in tax on elder care services, the 22km of covered walkways in KL and the drafting of the Senior Citizens Bill bring hope, dignity and relief to our golden years,” said the retired Malaysia Deposit Insurance Corp associate officer.
