Govt Mulls Raising Annual Grant For Active KRTs To RM10,000

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 (Bernama) -- The National Unity Ministry is mulling increasing the annual grant for active Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT) to RM10,000 as part of efforts to empower communities in fostering unity and boosting local economies.

Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said that there are currently 8,586 KRTs nationwide, each receiving an annual grant of RM6,000 to implement community safety, welfare, and well-being programmes.

“The ministry admits that the current allocation is insufficient for KRTs to play a larger role.

“The government is therefore looking into ways to increase the annual grant to RM10,000, depending on each KRT’s activity,” he said when winding up the debate on the 2026 Supply Bill (Budget 2026) for the his ministry at the Dewan Rakyat today.

Aaron said that since the launch of the Progressive Rukun Tetangga Empowerment Plan in 2023, a total of 504 community economic projects have been implemented, covering food enterprises, community tourism, handicrafts, and non-food products.

Meanwhile, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said that Senior Citizens Activity Centres (PAWE) intending to provide elderly care services, such as daycare or residential care, would need to update their registration under the Care Centres Act 1993 (Act 506).

She said PAWEs are not allowed to operate as daycare centres, since their roles and operations differ, providing recreational, social, and educational activities to encourage senior citizens to live independently.

“PAWE registration does not allow them to operate daycare centres. However, if any PAWE has suitable premises, meets the necessary conditions, and intends to provide daycare centre services, it can update its registration under Act 506,” she said when winding up the debate for the ministry.

Nancy added that Act 506 stipulates several key requirements, including trained carers, adequate facilities, and compliance with the floor space-to-occupant ratio to ensure the safety and well-being of senior citizens.

She said that 193 PAWEs are currently operating nationwide, serving over 50,000 senior citizens through various beneficial activities, including exercise, religious programmes, and digital literacy training.

The sitting continues tomorrow.

--BERNAMA