KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 — The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development’s (KPWKM) increased allocation under Budget 2027 will strengthen social protection and the well-being of target groups, including women, children, persons with disabilities (OKU) and the elderly.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, said the funding, which rose four per cent to RM4.355 billion, would support various aid initiatives, the development of a care ecosystem and economic empowerment to help target groups realise their potential and become self-reliant.
She said the key initiatives include an increase in Elderly Assistance to RM1.3 billion for nearly 200,000 recipients, and assistance for persons with disabilities to RM1.5 billion for more than 300,000 recipients.
“KPWKM’s priority is to ensure the allocation is translated into services and benefits that are truly felt by the people,” she said at a press conference at Parliament today.
Nancy said the ministry is also focusing on women’s economic empowerment through an approach that combines skills, capital or equipment assistance, support networks and market opportunities to help them generate income.
Among the initiatives are the Madani Well-Being Grant, KIRANA Programme, which provides training, equipment grants and digital marketing guidance, and KASIHNITA, which focuses on personal development and financial management for women, particularly single mothers.
On family well-being, Nancy said the government is continuing the LPPKN BuAi Programme, which offers fertility treatment subsidies of up to RM2,000 per cycle to 2,000 eligible couples, as well as fertility advocacy efforts and men’s wellness services targeting 42,000 individuals.
Meanwhile, Nancy said KPWKM plans to conduct a study to identify the factors behind the rise in stabbing cases in schools and institutions of higher learning.
She said the study is still in the planning stage and requires cooperation from other ministries, while agencies under KPWKM provide counselling services and support to victims, families and individuals who commit such acts.
Among the agencies involved are the Malaysian Board of Counsellors, the Social Welfare Department (JKM), LPPKN and the National Welfare Foundation (YKN).
On efforts to strengthen women’s safety and address femicide, Nancy said KPWKM, through JKM, the Women’s Development Department and YKN, is also working with non-governmental organisations to assist women, including shelter for those unable to return home. — Bernama