Insight - Budget 2022: Secure, accelerate and rebuild

Main thrust: Workers are seen at a construction site in Kuala Lumpur. As Malaysia rebuilds its shattered domestic economy, the priorities of Budget 2022 must be framed to keep the country safe while living with Covid-19 as an endemic disease. — Reuters

THE Finance Minister is expected to hand down a “Secure, accelerate and rebuild” 2022 Budget on Oct 29 amid the still-lurking Covid-19 virus and external uncertainties.

Under the National Recovery Plan, the economy has reopened in stages with some relaxation of movement restrictions, raising hopes for a pick-up in economic and business activities in the fourth quarter of 2021.