KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 24 – The Budget 2023, with its suggested allocation of RM388.1 billion meets the needs of every ministry to implement various initiatives for Malaysians and will be able to interpret the Malaysia MADANI concept.
The various allocations and programmes announced under the Budget will boost the socioeconomic capabilities and mobility of every Malaysian.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook described the announcement that the government would bear the fees for the B2 class motorcycle, taxi, bus and e-hailing tests as a good surprise, adding that it would benefit youths especially as it would help them secure a job in the gig economy.
“We will see (the mechanism) to implement it, the conditions and how to implement it,” he said in a media conference at the Parliament building today.
He also anticipated an uptick in My50 monthly pass subscriptions after the Mass Rapid Transit 2 (MRT2) service begins this March after the government’s decision to continue with the My50 incentive.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said her ministry, which once again received the highest allocation of RM55.2 billion, would focus on efforts to improve the national education standard through the best learning infrastructure and facilities, as well as ensuring the welfare of both teachers and students.
She said the allocation suited the needs of the seven main cores that were introduced previously to strengthen the education sector.
“The additional RM777 million allocation for the Additional Food Plan and RM108 million for the Preschool Food Programme would help cover the cost of preparing good quality nutritious food for students.
“Supplying Education Ministry schools and educational institutions with 50,000 laptops is also an important initiative that’s in line with the seven cores, namely raising the capability of digital education,” she added.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had also announced that the Social Security Organisation would provide incentives for employers who hire 17,00 graduates, especially from TVET, as well as persons with disabilities, former inmates, the homeless and hardcore unemployed.
