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Showing posts with label Government. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Government. Show all posts

Sunday, January 7, 2024

Balancing between data’s potential and its security

IN an era where data is king, the launch of Malaysia’s Central Database Hub (Padu) marks a significant milestone.

For the first time, the government will be collecting personal data on an unprecedented scale – everything from IC numbers and addresses to bank details and property ownership – into a single repository.

While revolutionary in its potential to streamline government services and target subsidies effectively, this initiative raises profound concerns about the security and privacy of our data.

Currently, we have the Personal Data Protection Act on the books. However, under Section 3(1) of the Act, this law does not apply to the government. 

Personal Data Protection Act 2010

Does this mean the extensive data collected through Padu is not afforded the same protections as it would if it was collected by private entities?

Previous data misuse and breaches in government systems only exacerbate our fear.

Cybersecurity firm Surfshark has listed Malaysia as the eighth most breached country globally in Q3 2023, with 494,699 leaked accounts. This represents a 144% increase in breach rate compared to Q2 2023.

According to its midyear threat landscape report, leaks from the government sector constituted 22% of total security breaches from January to June 2023.

The fundamental questions cannot be avoided: Can we trust the government with so much of our personal information? What assurances are there that it will be protected against misuse and theft?

The answers, according to most analysts and experts, lie in reforming the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) to encompass government data handling.

Amending the PDPA to include the government and all its agencies would be a significant step toward securing public confidence.

It would ensure the same rigorous data protection standards applied to private entities are also binding upon the government.

Such an amendment would not just be a legal formality; it would be the government’s commitment to the people, a reassurance that our personal information is valued and protected with the highest standards of security and privacy.

It would demonstrate a recognition of the principle that with great power comes great responsibility, especially when that power involves access to the extensive details of one’s financial and personal life.

While Padu presents an opportunity for public administration in Malaysia to take a huge leap forward, it also poses a significant risk to personal privacy if not appropriately managed.

The need to amend the PDPA to apply to data collected by the government is not just a regulatory necessity but a critical step in building trust between the citizens and the state.

Only with such legislative safeguards can the government assure its people that their data, their most personal and sensitive information, is in safe hands.

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Related posts:

PADU to help govt identify eligible targeted subsidy

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

NEW UNITY CABINET 2023 ; RESOLVE PEOPLE'S ISSUES QUICKLY






UALA LUMPUR, Dec 12 — Following is the full list of Cabinet ministers and deputy ministers in the unity government following the Cabinet reshuffle announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar  Ibrahim today.


Prime Minister and Minister of Finance

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim

Minister of Finance II

Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan (new)

Deputy Minister of Finance

Lim Hui Ying (formerly Deputy Education Minister)

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development

Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi

Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development

Datuk Rubiah Wang

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Public Utilities (a new ministry — split from the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change (NRECC))

Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof (also in charge of Sabah, Sarawak Affairs)

Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Public Utilities

Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir

Minister of Transport

Anthony Loke Siew Fook

Deputy Minister of Transport

Datuk Hasbi Habibollah

Minister of Agriculture and Food Securities

Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Securities

Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup (formerly Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation)

Minister of Economy

Rafizi Ramli

Deputy Minister of Economy

Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib

Minister of Local Government Development

Nga Kor Ming

Deputy Minister of Local Government Development

Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu (formerly Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development)

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (formerly Minister of Defence)

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs

Datuk Mohamad Alamin

Minister of Works

Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi

Deputy Minister of Works

Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan (formerly Deputy Minister of Finance)

Minister of Home Affairs

Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs

Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah

Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry

Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz

Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry

Liew Chin Tong

Minister of Defence

Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (formerly Minister of Higher Education)

Deputy Minister of Defence

Adly Zahari

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation

Chang Lih Kang

Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation

Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal (formerly Deputy Higher Education Minister)

Minister of Women, Family and Community Development

Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri

Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development

Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad (new)

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform)

Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform)

M.Kulasegaran (new)

Minister of Natural Resources and Sustainability (a new ministry — split from NRECC)

Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad

Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Sustainability

Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii

Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives

Datuk Ewon Benedick

Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives

Datuk R. Ramanan (new)

Minister of Higher Education

Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir (formerly Minister of Foreign Affairs)

Deputy Minister of Higher Education

Datuk Mustapha @ Mohd Yunus Sakmud (formerly Deputy Minister of Human Resources)

Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture

Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture

Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan

Minister of Communications (a new ministry — split from Ministry of Communications and Digital)

Fahmi Fadzil

Deputy Minister of Communications

Teo Nie Ching

Minister of Education

Fadhlina Sidek

Deputy Minister of Education

Wong Kah Woh (new)

Minister of Unity

Datuk Aaron Ago Anak Dagang

Deputy Minister of Unity

Saraswathy Kandasami (formerly Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives)

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs)

Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs)

Zulkifli Hassan (new)

Minister of Youth and Sports

Hannah Yeoh

Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports

Adam Adli Abd Halim

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories)

Dr Zaliha Mustafa (formerly Minister of Health)

Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living

Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali (formerly Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of Sabah, Sarawak Affairs and Special Functions)

Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living

Fuziah Salleh

Minister of Plantation and Commodities

Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani (new)

Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities

Datuk Chan Foon Hin (formerly Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Securities)

Minister of Health

Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad (new)

Deputy Minister of Health

Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni

Minister of Digital (a new ministry — split from Ministry of Communications and Digital)

Gobind Singh Deo

Deputy Minister of Digital

Datuk Ugak Anak Kumbong (formerly Deputy Minister of Special Functions and Sabah, Sarawak Affairs)

Minister of Human Resources

Steven Sim Chee Keong (new)

Deputy Minister of Human Resources

Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad (formerly Deputy Minister of Works) — Bernama





Resolve people's issues quickly


New cabinet must prioritise tackling economic issues, say interest groups

PETALING JAYA: People’s issues – cost of living pressures, economic recovery and spurring investments – are the key issues that the new Cabinet must deliver amid a challenging 2024 outlook, say economic experts and business groups.

They say the new line-up must work fast to tackle the economic challenges, while delivering the promised key electoral and institutional reforms to demonstrate their capacity for governance.

Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (Ideas) chief executive officer Dr Tricia Yeoh said through the restructuring, the government is sending the signal that the issues of economy, health and cost of living are the key areas of focus, as seen in the new appointments.

She noted that the appointment of Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan as the Second Finance Minister in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s latest Cabinet line-up has been “highly anticipated”.

The former EPF chief executive officer’s appointment is also likely to be welcomed by the market, given his strong corporate background, having been in Tenaga Nasional Bhd and MISC Bhd before joining EPF, said Yeoh.

“This appointment will strengthen the Finance Ministry’s policy execution and hopefully speed up the ministry’s plans towards fiscal consolidation,” she said.

Meanwhile, Yeoh said the new Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali will have to focus on addressing cost of living issues, which has been the primary driver of dissatisfaction among voters in their perception of Anwar’s administration.

She also said the return of former ministers Gobind Singh Deo and Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad to the Cabinet in their respective roles as Digital Minister and Health Minister was interesting as they had experience under the previous Pakatan Harapan administration.

Prof Dr Chung Tin Fah of HELP University said the new Cabinet must focus on delivering its manifesto promises, including bringing down cost of living, creating a more equitable social class, raising investment to grow the economy, and higher wages to share in growth prosperity.

“Investments and productivity are key drivers to help achieve these seemingly diverse goals,” he said.

Socio-Economic Research Centre (SERC) executive director Lee Heng Guie said the government has to execute the promised reforms and policies to strengthen the country’s economic resilience against the still uncertain global environment in 2024.

“The government needs to rebuild trust with the people and businesses that it can deliver better outcomes through good governance and responsible fiscal management,” he said, adding that easing cost of doing business, creating a better investment climate, mitigating the higher cost of living, and generating better income jobs should be the economic agenda.

SME Association of Malaysia president Ding Hong Sing said economic development must be prioritised as the country’s economy has yet to improve while the cost of living continues to rise.

“In this regard, our expectations are high for the Second Finance Minister, Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.

“With his extensive management experience in EPF, we believe he can play a crucial role in revitalising the national economy,” he said, adding that Hamzah must engage with the business sector and listen to industry suggestions before implementing policies.

“Ensuring the Minister comprehends the influence their policies may have on the business sector is pivotal. We must steer clear of any policies that could hinder our progress,” he said.

Ding also said that SMEs are more than willing to collaborate with the newly appointed Human Resources Minister Steven Sim to improve operations and drive the growth of the economy.

Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Nivas Ragavan said the reshuffling is expected to serve as a positive beginning for 2024, particularly in bolstering efforts to enhance economic growth.

The government’s immediate focus must now be to address issues such as unemployment, inflation and economic recovery, said Nivas.

“The foreign direct investments secured in 2023 by the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry during the trade delegations to various countries especially China and the United States should be quickly realised in 2024 so that adequate employment, business opportunities in the supply chain, and significant growth of the gross domestic product can be attained.

“We also hope that the Cabinet will concentrate on more reforms in 2024,” he said.

Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia president Tan Sri Low Kian Chuan said the new Cabinet must work to implement promised reforms and policies.

Low emphasised the necessity of improving income levels and mitigating the impact of the rising cost of living, as well as the importance of close cooperation between the ministries and civil servants to enhance public delivery of services, streamlining of business investment procedures, and the reduction in the overall cost of doing business.

Low added the new ministers should prioritise these key areas, acknowledging the pressing need to address the cost of living challenges that Malaysians face.

Malay Chamber of Commerce president Norsyahrin Hamidon said the country’s economy has not fully recovered and numerous SMEs continue to face significant challenges.

He hoped that the new ministers, especially the Second Finance Minister, would quickly inject their expertise towards economic recovery and the strengthening of businesses, though he added that it is important that the new Cabinet members be given six months to demonstrate their capabilities.


Saturday, December 10, 2022

Malaysian Unity Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers full list

 CLICK TO ENLARGE 

CLICK TO ENLARGE

 


PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim unveiled the list of deputy ministers in a live telecast on Friday (Dec 9).

This follows after his audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah earlier to present the list of names.

ALSO READ: Sabah gets seven deputy ministers 

There are 27 deputy ministers in Anwar's unity government.

All the ministries got one deputy except for the Finance Ministry

ALSO READ: Nanta calls for more Dayaks, Chinese from Sarawak to be made deputy ministers

Anwar also said the swearing-in ceremony will take place at 3pm tomorrow (Dec 10).

On Dec 2, Anwar unveiled a slightly smaller Cabinet than that of his predecessor – naming two Deputy Prime Ministers and 25 ministers.

ALSO READ: MIC to turn down deputy minister posts if offered, says party sec-gen

The Prime Minister will also serve as the Finance Minister, a post he had held from 1991 until his sacking in 1998.

  

Here is the full list:

Finance

Minister- Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim

Deputy Ministers - Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan and Steven Sim

Rural and Regional Development

Minister- Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi

Deputy - Datuk Rubiah Wang

Plantation and Commodities

Minister - Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof

Deputy - Datuk Siti Aminah Aching

Works

Minister - Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi

Deputy - Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad

Defence

Minister - Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan

Deputy - Adly Zahari

Health

Minister - Dr Zaleha Mustafa

Deputy - Lukanisman Awang Sauni

Transport

Minister - Anthony Loke

Deputy - Datuk Hasbi Habibollah

Agriculture and Food Security

- Mohamad Sabu

Deputy - Chan Foong Hin

Economy

Minister - Rafizi Ramli

Deputy - Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib

International Trade and Industry

Minister - Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz

Deputy - Liew Chin Tong

Law and Institutional Reforms (PM’s Department)

Minister - Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said

Deputy - Ramkarpal Singh

Women, Family, and Community Development

Minister - Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri

Deputy - Aiman Athirah Sabu

Communications and Digital

Minister - Fahmi Fadzil

Deputy - Teo Nie Ching

Education

Minister - Fadhlina Sidek

Deputy - Lim Hui Ying

Higher Education

Minister - Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin

Deputy - Datuk Muhammad Yusof Apdal

Youth and Sports

Minister - Hannah Yeoh

Deputy - Adam Adli Abd Halim

Local Government Development

Minister - Nga Kor Ming

Deputy - Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir

Home

Minister - Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution

Deputy - Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah

Science and Technology

Minister - Chang Lih Kang

Deputy - Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup

Domestic Trade and Cost of Living

Minister - Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub

Deputy - Fuziah Salleh

Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change

Minister - Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad

Deputy - Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii

Foreign Affairs - Datuk Seri Dr Zambri Abdul Kadir

Deputy - Datuk Mohamad Alamin

Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development

Minister - Datuk Ewon Benedick

Deputy - Saraswathi Kandasamy

Tourism, Arts and Culture

Minister - Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing

Deputy - Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan

Human Resources

Minister - V. Sivakumar

Deputy - Mustapha Sakmud

Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs)

Minister - Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali 

Deputy - Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong 

 CLICK TO VIEW THE FULL LIST

CLICK TO VIEW THE FULL LIST

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Friday, October 29, 2021

Malaysia Budget 2022

 


 The theme for Budget 2022 is "Keluarga Malaysia, makmur sejahtera" (Malaysian family, prosperous and peaceful). 

Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz said it is based on three core concepts "rakyat yang sejahtera" (people's wellbeing), resilient businesses and a prosperous economy.

Screengrab from the live broadcast of the Budget 2022 speech from Parliament on Oct 29, 2021.

PETALING JAYA: Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz has started delivering his Budget 2022 speech in Parliament here on Friday (Oct 29).

The Finance Minister is expected to deliver a Budget in line with the Malaysian Family concept, which will concentrate on the country's recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic.

On Wednesday (Oct 27) Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said Budget 2022 was from the people, by the people, for the people and would be of high impact for all layers of society and businesses.

Ismail Sabri said Budget 2022 would also generate more jobs to tackle unemployment and enable the recovery process to return the country and its economy to the pre-Covid-19 pandemic with new norms in place.

He added that Budget 2022 was drawn up carefully and comprehensively, taking into account the views of all quarters, including Opposition parties.

Here are the highlights of the Budget 2022 speech as they are delivered:

Budget 2022 allocation

Budget 2022 has a total allocation of RM332.1bil, the largest-ever for the country. This surpasses Budget 2021 allocation of of RM322.54bil.

Tengku Zafrul said this involves RM233.5bil in administrative expenses, RM75.6bil in development, RM23bil for the Covid-19 fund and RM2bil for unexpected expenses.

Family focus

The Bantuan Keluarga Malaysia outlined in Budget 2022 will benefit over 9.6 million recipients with an allocation of RM8.2bil.

Households with three children or more with household income less than RM2,500 will receive RM2,000 in aid. An extra RM500 will be given to for single mothers/fathers with dependents and monthly income of up to RM5,000. This means single mothers/fathers with three children and above are entitled to a maximum RM2,500 in aid.

An additional allocation of RM300 will be given to senior citizens.

Overall, RM2.4bil in welfare aid is allocated to benefit over 440,000 households.

Education first

Education gets the biggest slice of the pie in Budget 2022 with RM52.6bil for the Education Ministry and RM14.5bil for the Higher Education Ministry.

Tengku Zafrul said this includes RM450mil in aid to be provided to three million students.

Health matters

Health Ministry gets an allocation of 32.4bil, the second-largest after the Education Ministry.

From the allocation, RM2bil will be channeled to purchase of vaccines and RM2bil for additional Covid-19 expenses.

He added that the government would be purchasing another 88 million doses of vaccines, which includes the third dose for children between the ages of 12 and 17.

PTPTN repayment incentives

Government to give discounts to PTPTN borrowers for payments from Nov 1 to April 30.

Borrowers will get a 15% discount for full settlement; 12% for payments of at least 50% of the outstanding balance in a single payment. Those who make repayments through salary deduction or scheduled direct debit will get a 10% discount.

Just for jobs

Allocation of RM4.8bil to create 600,000 job opportunities under the JaminKerja initative.

With a target of 300,000 hires, the initiative will offer incentives to employers such as 20% of the first six months' pay, and 30% of the following six months pay for hired employees making above RM1,500.

Among others, RM1.1bil has been allocated for training and upskilling programmes for 220,000 trainees.

The Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector will receive an allocation of RM6.6bil under Budget 2022.

Tengku Zafrul said the focus is on eeting industry needs and an additional allocation of RM200mil has been allocated for joint venture programmes with industries.

Boosting healthy lifestyles

There will be an excise duty imposed on nicotine-based gel or liquid products for vaping and electronic cigarettes, says the Finance Minister.

"Towards a healthy lifestyle the government plans to broaden the scope of excise duty to include premix sugary drinks made from chocolate, malt, coffee and tea," said Tengku Zafrul.

Women matters

The goverment will make it mandatory for all publicly-listed companies to appoint at least one woman to its board of directors.

Tengku Zafrul said RM5mil would also be allocated for the Women Leadership Foundation to encourage female participation in the economic sector.

Free self-hygiene kits will be given to young women in the B40 category monthly, which will benefit some 130,000 youths nationwide.

Tengku Zafrul added that RM11mil would be allocated for free mammogram and cervix examinations.

New villages

A total of RM200mil has been allocated for the Chinese community, among them for the purpose of upgrading Chinese new villages, as well as financing schemes for the small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

RM145mil has been set aside for the Indian community, among them for the implementation of programmes to strengthen the community's social economy through Tekun Nasional, the national Entrepreneurial Group Economic Fund, under the Indian Entrepreneurs Development Scheme.

Levelling up eSports

To push the eSports industry in the country, RM20mill will be allocated under Budget 2022.

This includes RM5mil to develop an excellence centre for drone sports in the country.

Housing for all

RM1.5bil has been allocated for continuing low-cost housing projects. Another RM2bil allocated for housing credit guarantee scheme to help those without a stable income to buy a house.

Tengku Zafrul also said the government would no longer impose the real property gains tax (RPGT) on Malaysians, permanent residents and companies when they dispose of their real property assets from the sixth year onwards.

For sporting excellence

To further improve the national Paralympics team, the National Sports Council (NSC) will receive a RM10mil allocation. This is to enhance training programs and organise leagues for various sports to prepare for the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

RM158mil will be allocated to renovate, enhance and build sporting facilities around the country.

RM50mil will be allocated to encourage people to continue leading an active lifestyle.

Cash in hand

Employees’ contribution rate to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) that was reduced to 9% in 2020 will remain until June 2022.

Boost for youths

A RM300mil allocation to provide RM150 in credit into eWallets of youth aged 18 to 20 who are students at institutions of higher learning.

Lower vehicular taxes continue

To reduce the cost of vehicle ownership, the government will extend the 100% sales tax exemption on completely knocked down (CKD, locally-assembled) passenger vehicles and 50% on completely built-up (CBU, imported cars) including MPVs and SUVs for six months until June 30, 2022.

The exemption was introduced by the government in 2020 to drive sales in the automotive sector which was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Defending the nation

The Defence Ministry will get an allocation of RM16bil, of which RM1.6bil is to upgrade the readiness of main assets of the Armed Forces. This allocation also involves RM14mil to replace main equipment of Naval Special Forces (Paskal) and Air Force Special Forces (Paskau) such as parachutes, closed-circuit diving equipment and boats.

e-vehicles to get a power up

Tengku Zafrul said the government sees the potential of electronic vehicles (EV) to minimise pollution, and therefore plans to give up to 100% exemption of import and excise duties as well as sales tax.

Road tax exemptions of up to 100% will also be given out for electronic cars.

Tax relief of up to RM2,500 will be given for the purchase, assembly, renting and leasing of EVs.

Tourism budget

A total of RM1.6bil has been allocated for the tourism industry. RM600mil will be allocated under the Penjana Tourism Financing dan BPMB Rehabilitation Scheme while RM85mil will be go towards a three-month special assistance for over 20,000 tourism operators.

Zafrul also announced matching grants for the purpose of the renovation of budget hotels and homestays, with an allocation of RM30mil.

To spur domestic tourism, the RM1,000 tax rebate will be extended until 2022.

Sabah and Sarawak

The two states will receive increased development allocations of RM5.2bil and RM4.6bil respectively under Budget 2022.

Fisheries and agriculture

RM1.7bil allocated for the various incentives and subsidies for the fisheries and agriculture industries.

Please folllow The Star's coverage of Budget 2022 here.

Click on the logo to see the full text of Tengku Zafrul's Budget 2022 speech in Malay.Click on the logo to see the full text of Tengku Zafrul's Budget 2022 speech in Malay.

Related stories:

Budget 2022: RM52.6bil allocation for Education Ministry, says Tengku Zafrul

Budget 2022 focused on helping 'Malaysian Family' tackle post-Covid-19 challenges, says Tengku Zafrul

Budget 2022: RM32.4bil allocated for health

Budget 2022: RM2.4bil in welfare aid allocated to benefit over 440,000 households

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 Here are five key takeaways from Malaysia’s 2022 budget:

5 key takeaways:

1. What’s in it for households, firms hit hard economically by COVID-19?

https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2021/10/881438/bajet-2022-bantuan-keluarga-malaysia-bkm-sebanyak-rm2000

Households are set to benefit from a new cash aid scheme - Malaysian Family Assistance. Under the scheme, RM8.2 billion will be allocated to households, benefitting more than 9.6 million recipients, said Mr Tengku Zafrul. 

 Households with three or more children and a monthly income of less than RM2,500 will receive a one-off payment of RM2,000. 

Additionally, single parents or households earning less than RM5,000 each month will receive a one-off payment of RM500. Senior citizens will also receive RM300 each. 

Companies will also receive aid to get back on their feet.

Among others, income tax instalment payment for micro, small- and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) can be deferred for up to six months until Jun 30, 2022. 

Landlords who give rental discounts of at least 30 per cent to businesses will be granted tax relief. 

Firms are also given tax deduction of up to RM300,000 to renovate their spaces, such as to improve seating arrangement or air circulation, in order to minimise the spread of COVID-19. 

2. What additional resources will the health sector get?

The Health Ministry is set to receive RM32.4 billion, the second largest allocation behind the Education Ministry. 

Mr Tengku Zafrul outlined that RM4 billion has been allocated for COVID-19 management, of which RM2 billion is for vaccines and another RM2 billion is to boost the capacity of public health facilities such as by purchasing test kits, personal protective equipment and medication. 

He added that the government has signed agreements to obtain 88 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, which are sufficient to immunise more than 140 per cent of the population, and enough to give third doses to all residents above the age of 12.

Mr Tengku Zafrul also announced that RM100 million will be allocated to sponsor 3,000 contract medical and dental officers to pursue specialist programmes.

3. What are the green measures?

Meanwhile, Mr Tengku Zafrul said the 2022 budget was formulated while keeping in mind the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (under the the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development) and the implementation of environmentally friendly programmes. 

In line with Malaysia’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2050, he announced that the Voluntary Carbon Market initiative will be launched under the auspices of Bursa Malaysia. 

“This initiative will act as a voluntary platform for carbon credit trading between green asset owners and any entity towards a shift to low-carbon practices,” said Mr Tengku Zafrul. 

 Related:

Tengku Zafrul added that the government is also looking to support the development of the local electric vehicle (EV) industry, and intends to provide full exemption on import duty, excise duty and sales tax for EV vehicles. 

Road tax exemption of up to 100 percent is also given to the vehicles.

In addition, individual income tax relief of up to RM2,500 will be given to offset the costs of purchase and installation, rental and hire purchase as well as subscription fees for EV charging facilities.

4. How will tourism industry players benefit? 

The budget also encompasses initiatives targeted at players in the tourism industry, which have been hit badly by COVID-19. 

Mr Tengku Zafrul said a total of RM1.6 billion will be allocated for a number of efforts, including a RM600 million wage subsidy for tour operators who have experienced at least 30 per cent dip in income. More than 26,000 employers and 330,000 workers are expected to benefit from these subsidies, he added. 

Tengku Zafrul added that matching grants worth RM30 million will be given to more than 700 budget hotels and homestays registered under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture for repair works. 

He said RM60 million in incentive funds will be allocated for activities to promote domestic tourism. Moreover, special individual income tax relief of up to RM1,000 for residents who spend on domestic tourism will be extended until 2022. 

5. What kind of assistance will be given to women, children?

A key highlight for the 2022 budget is the special assistance given to women and children. 

Mr Tengku Zafrul announced that the government is making it mandatory for all public listed companies to appoint at least one woman to its board of directors in order to recognise women’s roles in the decision-making process. 

“Currently, women hold 25 per cent of the board positions in 100 main public listed companies. 

“However, 27 per cent or 252 companies listed on Bursa Malaysia still do not have women on their boards,” he said. 

The minister added that companies who hire unemployed women, housewives and single mothers will receive government incentives. Putrajaya will pay incentives amounting to 30 per cent of their monthly wages for the first six months, and 40 per cent for the next six months. 

This applies to monthly salaries of RM1,200 and above, the minister said. 

Additionally, the government is looking to allocate an additional RM13 million to the police’s Sexual, Women and Children’s Investigations Division (D11). 

Addressing the issue of orphaned children whose parents succumbed to COVID-19, Mr Tengku Zafrul said that RM25 million will be allocated to Yayasan Keluarga Malaysia to ensure their education, welfare and future.  

“The government urges all parties, including NGOs, local communities, local leaders and even corporate companies to play a role to ensure that the welfare of these children continue to be safeguarded so that everyone can live together as one family without separation and build a bright future,” he said. 

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