Clear views: Prof Nor’ain wants better digital access and connectivity for students while Mohamed Shafiq says there’s a need for investments in AI machine learning data analytics.
PETALING JAYA: From cash payouts for singles and the disabled to greater investments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other technologies, Malaysians are hoping for a whole array of goods from Budget 2023.
Mostly though, they are calling for a more inclusive Budget with stronger financial support and social security net for all.
Budget 2023 will be tabled on Oct 7, three weeks before the originally scheduled date on Oct 28.
Nancy Tan, 35, hoped to see more incentives for single mothers like her to become financially independent.
“We need more things like education programmes, entrepreneurship initiatives and work training. It would be useful if we are trained in jobs for the future, like those that involve digital technology.”
Aisyah Mahmud, 29, hoped for more tax breaks and financial support for those with special needs children.
“Therapy costs a bomb. Many families with special needs children are forced to become single-income households due to childcare issues. I myself had to quit working.
“Waiting for government services takes a long time so we have to pay for expensive private therapy,” said Aisyah, who has a three-year-old Down Syndrome child.
Wheelchair-bound Cham Bun Hua, 60, who sells tissue paper, face masks and test kits at Lip Sin market in Bayan Lepas, Penang, said it was difficult to make ends meet with prices rising.
He earns between RM10 and RM20 a day and depends on a monthly allowance of RM450 from the Social Welfare Department.
“With inflation, it is hard to survive,” he said.
“I hope the government can consider raising the monthly allowance to RM600,’ said Cham who has two children, both in their 20s.
He also hoped for better facilities for the disabled.
Delivery rider S. Nathan, 23, is hoping for more payouts for single young Malaysians.
“It really helps to have a few hundred ringgit cash in hand, especially for emergencies,” he said.
Academicians proposed that the government provide allocations to improve digital accessibility and literacy for students.
Prof Dr Nor’ain Othman, a Hotel and Tourism management lecturer, said the government should invest more into eradicating the gap between students in urban and rural areas to ensure they get equal access to online learning.
“It could start with something as simple as better Internet connectivity,” she said.
Media and communications lecturer Mohamed Shafiq Ayub said there was a need for investments in AI and machine learning data analytics. With the current shortage of workers, these technologies can help organisations improve effectiveness and reduce workforce and waste.
“Such a government transformation would have a significant impact, especially in creating new jobs, stabilising petrol prices and aiding income,” said the 31-year-old from Negri Sembilan.
Religious teacher Asfalela Othman, 35, said she hoped the government would channel more allocations for Al-Quran and Fardu Ain (Kafa) teachers.
