Before we begin, let me clarify that this article is written from a professional and journalistic perspective. The objective is not to praise the government blindly or condemn every decision.
Previously, I wrote about the plight of the so-called sandwich generation - Malaysians, broadly aged 35 to 60, who are simultaneously supporting dependent children and ageing parents.
The Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the Finance Minister, "may or may not" have read my postings. :) Nevertheless, I am pleased to note that some of the challenges facing the sandwich generation are being addressed in Budget 2027. Credit where credit is due, as they say.
Among the measures announced are a reduction in service tax on elderly care services from 8% to 6%, effective 1 January 2027, and a full service tax exemption for eligible care fees of up to RM96,000 annually.
The government also plans to expand tax relief to cover all care-related expenses for parents and grandparents, draft a Senior Citizens Bill, and increase elderly assistance to RM1.3 billion, benefiting nearly 200,000 recipients.
So Who exactly are the sandwich generation?
Generally, they are adults in their mid-30s to around 60 who care for both dependent children and ageing parents. Although men share these responsibilities, women often shoulder a disproportionate share of unpaid caregiving.
Malaysia's Department of Statistics reported in 2026 that women spend an average of 6 hours and 7 minutes daily on unpaid domestic and care work, compared with men's 18.1% of the day.
The numbers tell a story that deserves our attention. According to the Social Wellbeing and Research Centre (SWRC) at Universiti Malaya, 55% of elderly respondents depend on financial contributions from their adult children, averaging RM526 a month.
Meanwhile, The Star reported that Malaysians aged 35 to 44 accounted for 39.61% of bankruptcy cases between 2021 and December 2025, involving 11,808 individuals. Personal loans were the leading cause, accounting for 46.63% of cases.
They illustrate the financial pressures facing working-age Malaysians, many of whom are supporting both children and ageing parents. This is where the sandwich generation story becomes more than just a catchy phrase.
“Bila semua orang bergantung pada kita, siapa pula tempat kita bergantung?” That is a question policymakers should not ignore.
Give credit where it is due, but keep asking questions where necessary. Our parents deserve dignity in their old age, and their children deserve a system that helps them provide that care without sacrificing their own family's future.
Because one day, we too will grow old. Jangan sampai hari ini kita lupa jasa mereka, esok apabila tiba giliran kita, masyarakat pula lupa akan kita.
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