PUTRAJAYA: Initiatives to improve the people's welfare by increasing their income as well as social protection will be part of the government’s focus for Budget 2023, says the Finance Ministry.
Its Deputy Minister Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah said other initiatives include enhancing resilience to tackle future situations and improving business competitiveness.
He added that the upcoming Budget would also emphasise five main aspects.
ALSO READ: Budget 2023: Focus on initiatives to face challenges of bleak economy, says PM
“These are: strengthening economic recovery through gross domestic product (GDP) growth; increasing the country’s competitiveness in the post Covid-19 era by placing a focus on increasing productivity through the use of technology and automation; strengthening Malaysia's fiscal position and providing targeted subsidies.
“The Budget will also aim to protect the welfare of the people through social protection programmes such as healthcare services and quality education, among others.
“Lastly, it also aims to promote inclusive development aligned with targets listed as UN Sustainable Development Goals,” he said in his speech at the Budget 2023 public consultation session on Tuesday (Aug 23).
ALSO READ: Budget 2023 needs support from Opposition
He also noted that a total of 242 organisations including associations, business chambers, academics and non-governmental organisations had presented 1,935 memorandums on the Budget.
“More engagement sessions will be held in the coming weeks, along with meetings to take a deeper look at the issues and suggestions presented here today,” he said.
The session is part of efforts to establish an interactive platform between the government and various stakeholders to generate feedback on preparing an inclusive Budget for all sectors of society.
