KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 2 — Companies that hire former convicts and senior citizens above 60 will be given tax breaks, Putrajaya announced today.

The offer stands for employees whose monthly wage does not exceed RM4,000.

Meanwhile, eligible pensioners will receive a one-off RM500 annual aid.

The policy is part of the government’s efforts to assist the needy under Budget 2019, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said while tabling Budget 2019.

Under the same programme, contract government workers will also be given medical subsidies. RM10 million will be allocated for it annually.