Accra:Parliament The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) is set to enhance social protection and well-being for women, children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly with an increased allocation under Budget 2027.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the budget for KPWKM has risen by four percent to RM4.355 billion. This funding will support aid initiatives, the development of a care ecosystem, and economic empowerment programs aimed at helping target groups realize their potential and achieve self-reliance.
Key initiatives include an increase in Elderly Assistance to RM1.3 billion for nearly 200,000 recipients and RM1.5 billion for persons with disabilities, benefiting over 300,000 individuals. Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri emphasized that the ministry's priority is to ensure these allocations translate into tangible benefits for the people.
The ministry is also focusing on women's economic empowerment by combining skills training, capital assistance, support networks, and market opportunities to boost income generation. Programmes such as the MADANI Well-Being Grant, KIRANA Programme, and KASIHNITA are pivotal in these efforts, particularly supporting single mothers.
In terms of family well-being, the government continues to support the LPPKN BuAi Programme, offering fertility treatment subsidies up to RM2,000 per cycle for 2,000 eligible couples, alongside advocacy for fertility and men's wellness services targeting 42,000 individuals.
Furthermore, Nancy highlighted plans to study the factors contributing to the increase in stabbing cases in schools and higher learning institutions. This study, still in the planning phase, will involve cooperation with other ministries. Agencies under KPWKM, such as the Malaysian Board of Counsellors and the Social Welfare Department, are providing necessary counselling and support.
Efforts to strengthen women's safety and address femicide involve collaboration between KPWKM, JKM, the Women's Development Department, YKN, and NGOs, which aim to offer shelter and assistance to women in need.