Budget 2025: Public calls for more focus on advancing social well-being

KUCHING: The 2025 Budget, scheduled to be tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Oct 18, should place emphasis on enhancing social well-being, especially in the education and health sectors.

Bank officer Thomas Bulen, 45, said that in the education sector, focus should be on upgrading dilapidated schools and their infrastructure.

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"I hope that a large allocation will be directed towards repairing schools that have long been in poor condition and lack essential facilities.

"Schools in an unsatisfactory state require immediate attention to provide a conducive learning environment. This includes improving the physical condition of the schools and raising educational standards to be on par with those in developed countries,” he told Bernama.

He also stressed the importance of strengthening teacher training programmes through enhanced professional development to ensure educators have the latest skills and knowledge necessary for delivering high-quality education.

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Martha Steward, 43, a medical lecturer at a private college, hoped that the government would continue to improve access to quality health services and increase the number of health facilities, including clinics and hospitals.

"It is essential to ensure that all areas, whether urban, rural, or remote, have access to comprehensive and high-quality health services so that every individual in need of treatment can receive the best care available.

"The shortage of medical specialists and health personnel must be addressed more effectively, ensuring that training programmes and personnel placements meet the needs of all areas,” she said.

Meanwhile, interior designer Annette Anne Marie Johnson, 38, hoped that financial assistance would be given to those truly in need, including the less fortunate, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

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"This is to ensure that those requiring financial support get sufficient aid to improve their quality of life. Besides financial assistance, it is crucial to strengthen social security programmes to provide more comprehensive support to those in need,” she said. – Bernama