PETALING JAYA: The development of public transportation systems as reflected in Budget 2021 can stimulate the economy and help Malaysians affected by the pandemic, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link from Johor to Singapore, the MRT3 project in the Klang Valley and the Gemas-Johor Baru Electrified Double-Tracking Project (EDTP) were among the infrastructure plans the government has lined up, said the Transport Minister.
“These projects will contribute and drive the country’s economy through its development activities, as well as through efforts to increase efficiency of the country’s transportation system, ” he said in a Facebook post on Friday (Nov 6).
Under Budget 2021, RM15bil was allocated to fund transport infrastructure projects.
Dr Wee said the national budget unveiled by Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz was one that took the rakyat’s welfare into account.
“The government’s caring nature can also be seen through its RM50mil allocation to help the aviation industry, which is the worst-hit sector in the Covid-19 pandemic, ” he said.
The government, he said, would provide training and job placements for 8,000 affected employees of airline companies.
He also welcomed the government’s decision to continue the RM30 monthly unlimited travel pass initiative, which would also be expanded to Penang and Kuantan.
“In addition, the introduction of a new RM5 monthly unlimited travel pass for students from Year One to Form Six, and people with disability, will enable them to continue their lessons while alleviating the financial burdens of their parents.
“This pass can be used in train services on the Klang Valley Komuter lines, the Northern sector Komuter, the inter-city train in Kuala Lipis and Tumpat, and the train services in Sabah, ” he said.
The Road Transport Department (RTD), he added, would be expanding its online services by introducing kiosks in 50 strategic locations across the country.
“This will reduce the need for people to settle their matters at the RTD counters, as well as provide them with 24-hour services, ” he said.
He thanked the Finance Ministry for conducting consultation services across the country, and pledged his ministry’s commitment in helping to jumpstart the economy and to ensure the rakyat’s welfare.
All eyes in Malaysia were fixed on Budget 2021 as the government unveiled its funds allocation amidst a protracted Covid-19 pandemic and a bleak economic climate.
This is the first budget under Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s Perikatan Nasional administration.
Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said more than 6,600 proposals on the national budget have been received through the consultation sessions, which includes political parties as well as suggestions on the Budget 2021 website.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
