Kuching: The Social Welfare Department (JKM) has allocated approximately RM728.5 million to support the welfare of senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PwD), and chronic patients across the nation, as of June this year. Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri highlighted that the funds were distributed through the Senior Citizen Assistance (BWE) and the Assistance for Care of Bedridden Persons with Disabilities and Bedridden Chronic Patients (BPT).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nancy Shukri emphasized that the department helps ease the burden on families by providing assistance for the care of bedridden persons with disabilities, bedridden chronic patients, and non-bedridden chronic patients who meet eligibility criteria. By June 2026, 42,036 recipients nationwide had received assistance, with an expenditure exceeding RM119.5 million.

During the same period, BWE was extended to 170,133 recipients nationwide, involving a spending of over RM609 million. In Sarawak specifically, 23,034 senior citizens benefited from BWE, with an allocation exceeding RM94.3 million. Additionally, more than RM10.4 million was allocated to 3,235 BPT recipients in the state.

Nancy underscored the importance of strengthening the country's care ecosystem to ensure the welfare of caregivers is also protected. She noted that the responsibility of caring for frail or bedridden individuals should not solely fall on families without robust support from various quarters. Through the SPeKTRUM programme, caregivers receive training, psychosocial support, and motivation to deliver optimal care while maintaining their own health.