PM: Rakyat’s livelihood will continue to be protected

PETALING JAYA: Budget 2021 is part of the government’s promise to achieve harmony and prosperity for every Malaysian, says Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

He said the Budget, worth a total of RM322.5bil, reflected the aspirations and needs of Malaysians and businesses as it was drafted based on 6,000 responses collected from various platforms and engagement sessions.

“The government drafted the Budget based on the principles of protecting the people and businesses, assisting them to rebound and securing a more resilient and sustainable future.

“The government is aware that the people are concerned about their health and source of income, ” said Muhyiddin in a statement.

Therefore, he said the bulk of the allocations prioritised the people, making Budget 2021 different from all the other budgets tabled before.

“Various measures were drafted not only for the safety and livelihood of Malaysians, but also to help the people build a stronger future, ” he added.

At the same time, Muhyiddin said aid, subsidies and incentives amounting to RM28bil aimed to ensure that the cost of living and welfare of those living in poverty were addressed.

He said Bantuan Prihatin Rakyat, which will replace the government’s Bantuan Sara Hidup next year, is expected to benefit 8.1 million Malaysians.

On the issue of employment, Muhyiddin said the government hoped to achieve its target of creating 500,000 new job opportunities through various programmes, including upskilling and retraining.

“With regard to that, the government announced the formation of the National Jobs Council, which I will chair.

“It will streamline all ministries’ initiatives and government agencies that are involved, ” Muhyiddin added.

He also noted that the Budget was taking a targeted approach to ensure that the needy would receive government support and assistance.

Muhyiddin said this was reflected in the government’s decision to allow Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contributors to withdraw up to RM500 a month from Account 1.

In March, the government also allowed EPF contributors 55 and below to withdraw between RM50 and RM500 per month for 12 months, subject to the availability of their funds, until March 31 next year from Account 2.

“The same goes for the improvement of the targeted repayment assistance by the banking sector for identified borrowers, ” he said.

Muhyiddin said the three principles of Budget 2021 – protect, rebound and secure – were aimed at supporting the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030.

“The government is urging Malaysians to unite and uphold the spirit of solidarity in our efforts to fight Covid-19 and the current economic challenges, ” he added.