Hannah Yeoh urges review of Budget 2027 allocation to improve care for older Malaysians in FT

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said programmes for older people should cater to their physical and social needs, including those who are bedridden, live alone or have lost their spouses, with activities tailored to their abilities and interests. — Bernama pic

First Published: Sunday, 11 Oct 2026 12:11 PM MYT

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 11 — Putrajaya Corporation and the Federal Territories Department have been asked to review the allocation they are expected to receive under Budget 2027 to strengthen care and improve the welfare of senior citizens, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh. 

She said existing approaches must be adapted to the physical and social needs of senior citizens, including those who are bedridden, live alone or have lost their spouses. 

Programmes for senior citizens, she said, should not focus solely on physical activities such as aerobics and brisk walking, but should also include activities suited to their abilities and interests. 

“The needs of a 60-year-old are very different from those of an 80-year-old. If we do not consider their needs and organise programmes that are convenient for us to run but difficult for them to participate in, we will fail to meet those needs,” she said. 

She was speaking at the Putrajaya-level Federal Territories Senior Citizens’ Day celebration here today. 

Hannah said loneliness among the elderly also needed attention, as those living alone or who had lost their spouses were at risk of being socially isolated and falling victim to scams. 

“Having many children and grandchildren does not mean they are not lonely. In fact, they may feel even lonelier because everyone is busy with their own schedules,” she said. 

As such, she proposed that community centres and places of worship reach out to senior citizens who had lost their spouses and organise follow-up activities to ensure they were not left alone. 

She said such efforts should be extended to senior citizens who are unable to attend programmes at Senior Citizens’ Activity Centres so that they, too, could receive the social support they needed. 

Hannah also pledged her support for the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development in its efforts to empower vulnerable groups, including senior citizens. — Bernama