These Malaysian budget measures could turn your finances around in 2026.

Budget 2026 came and went. All eyes were on the targeted fuel subsidy and the Madani cash handout programs.

The Malaysian government also unveiled and continued several budget measures for vulnerable groups such as women, senior citizens, youth, and gig workers.

Let’s take a look at some of them to make your financial life easier in 2026.

#1: Financing for Women

In the Budget 2026, the government has allocated and identified almost RM500 million in financing for women, depending on the criteria.

Paduri MADANI Program

A RM200 million financing facility for Bumiputera, Chinese, and Indian women entrepreneurs in the B40 category. The interest rate is 10% for up to RM30,000 and 3 years. The interest rate does seem quite high but it could be worth it for entrepreneurs who couldn’t get financing before this.

Women Micro MADANI Financing Scheme

Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) runs the program and provides RM150 million in financing for women entrepreneurs in all nano, micro, and small enterprises. Interest rate is at 4% with funding size of up to RM100,000 and tenure of 7 years.

MySMELady 2.0

Managed by SME Bank and provides RM50 million in financing. It is targeted at women in micro, small, and medium enterprises. Interest rate is up to 5% with a huge funding size of up to RM3 million.

Special Business Financing Scheme for Women

MARA manages this RM40 million financing facility with an emphasis on Bumiputera women entrepreneurs. Interest rate is up to 3.5% with a financing size of RM150,000. Hear this, the loan tenure is up to 10 years – the highest in this list.

BRPlus – i BizLady

Bank Rakyat Malaysia is running this program with RM30 million, targeted at women in micro, small, and medium enterprises and cooperatives. There are multiple interest rates in this program.

It provides a financing size of up to RM1 million and a tenure of up to 7 years.

#2: Women Empowerment Programs

Aside from financing, the Malaysian government has also set aside about RM25 million for women empowerment programs that range from single mother assistance to health tests/screening.

Kasih Ibu Tunggal Program

This program is under Jabatan Pembangunan Wanita (JPW), which helps single mothers to

  • Restructure and manage their finances
  • Navigate the legal environment in Malaysia
  • Expand their personal potential.

Mammogram and Cervical Cancer Test Subsidy

An RM8 million subsidy will be provided for mammogram tests to detect breast cancer. It is targeted at women aged 35 to 70 years old, and you can take the test at private facilities registered with the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN).

Furthermore, RM5.5 million in subsidies is allocated for cervical cancer tests.

PERANTIS

Lastly, the government has allocated RM4 million for the PERANTIS program. This initiative is headed by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development and provides leadership training for women.

#3: Senior Citizen Assistance

STR and SARA for Senior Citizens

Senior citizens aged 60 and above years old with no spouse are eligible for up to RM1,200 in cash assistance in 2026. If he or she falls under the poor or hardcore poor category, they can get an additional RM1,200.

Senior Assistance Program

This program is under the Department of Social Welfare, which offers various types of assistance.

  1. Bantuan Warga Emas: RM600 per month for living allowance
  2. Senior Citizens Activity Centre: A Place for senior citizens to perform daily activities and to attend programs such as religious, recreation, therapy, rehabilitation, health seminars and training courses.
  3. Senior Citizens Care Unit: Provides transport services to senior citizens who live alone or who can’t afford to get medical services.

#4: Financing and Assistance for Youth

MADANI Youth Micro Financing

Managed by Bank Simpanan Nasional. This is a financing facility with a size of RM150 million, targeted at youth entrepreneurs aged 30 and below in the nano, micro, and small business sectors. It has an interest rate of up to 4% for amounts up to RM100,000.

Skim Pembiayaan TEKUN Mobilepreneur 4.0

Targeted at youth in delivery services using motorcycles. It has a fund size of RM10 million, with the interest rate, amount financed, and tenure dependent on the criteria.

Youth Entrepreneurship Development Programme 2.0

A financing facility with a fund size of RM15 million. It is for Bumiputera youth aged 40 and below. Here’s the sweetener – interest rate is at 0% with a financing amount of RM500,000. The tenure is up to 5 years.

Tunas Usahawan Belia Bumiputera

SME Corp runs the program with an allocation of RM12 million, and is geared towards training youth entrepreneurs in starting and running a business.

Technical Entrepreneur Development

MARA runs this program with an allocation of RM8 million and is targeted at IPTA, IPTS, and IPMa graduates. It aims to train technopreneurs by providing 60% financing and 40% grants to buy machinery and equipment.

#5: Financial Assistance for Gig Workers

While the new i-Saraan Plus contribution for gig and self-employed workers was groundbreaking (read here for Budget 2026 highlights), there were two financial assistance budget measures for gig workers.

MADANI Micro Financing for GIG

Bank Simpanan Nasional is running this program with an allocation of RM20 million. It is targeted at gig workers operating through digital platforms. Interest rate is up to 4% and gig workers can obtain up to RM20,000 in financing of up to 5 years.

Skim Pembiayaan TEKUN Mobilepreneur 4.0

Targeted at youth in delivery services using motorcycles. It has a fund size of RM10 million, with the interest rate, amount financed, and tenure dependent on the criteria.

Conclusion

Budget 2026 brings with it a whole slew of measures that could be beneficial to women, senior citizens, youth, and gig workers. Consider whether you are eligible for them, and look up what are the criteria.

A little bit of help goes a long way in this tough environment.

 

Let us know in the comments below what you think about Budget 2026!

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