SHAH ALAM, Sept 28 — The Selangor government has been urged to create job opportunities specifically for senior citizens, particularly retirees who remain capable and wish to continue earning an income.
Pandamaran assemblyman Tony Leong Tuck Chee said the proposal should be given due attention as many older people want to remain independent without relying on government assistance.
“Our country is now facing an ageing population, and many people, particularly retirees, have come to see me asking for job opportunities because they do not want to depend on the government.
“So, I hope the government can do something to create jobs for senior citizens so that they can remain independent and earn their own income,” he said during Media Selangor’s SKOP programme discussing the upcoming 2027 Selangor Budget recently.
Leong said providing job opportunities is a more sustainable approach than relying solely on cash assistance.
He also hoped that the welfare of the people, including education and assistance for those in need, will continue to receive attention in the state budget.
Under the 2026 Selangor Budget, the state government allocated RM55 million for the implementation of the Skim Mesra Usia Emas (SMUE), which benefits individuals aged 60 and above as well as persons with disabilities.
Under the scheme, eligible members receive shopping vouchers worth RM150 a year, after the amount was increased from RM100 in 2023.
As of April, 418,799 active members were registered under SMUE. The state government has also projected an additional 100,000 senior citizens if new registrations are opened, with a financial implication of about RM15 million a year.
