PUTRAJAYA: The definition of the top 15 (T15) income group is still being refined to ensure a fairer subsidy distribution under Budget 2025, says Rafizi Ramli.
The Economy Minister said the government was formulating a more even approach by balancing various factors, including locality and government obligations.
He added that the definition will not be solely based on basic household income as discussed on social media.
“(The definition) will take into account many other factors, not like what is being (spread) on social media – that if your salary is (at a certain level), you will not get subsidies,” he told reporters at the 2024 National Statistics Day celebration and Statistics Portal kick-off ceremony at Precinct 2 here yesterday.
The Statistics Department commemorates its 75th Diamond Jubilee this year, with the theme of the celebration being “Statistics is the Essence of Life”.
Also present were Statistics Department chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin and Kuala Lumpur Land and Mines Office deputy director Ahmad Fairuz Mohd Yusof, as well as representatives from other related top government agencies.
Education groups and Malay trade chambers had called on the government to clarify the definition of the T15 income group, which will not benefit from government subsidies under Budget 2025.
“I have to remind everyone, we have to go through due process. And we want to make (subsidy distribution) fairer than before.
“We are looking at a 30-million population and we need to look at as many variables to be fair,” said Rafizi.
Asked if the government plans to utilise the data from the Central Database Hub (Padu) system, Rafizi said the system has the most comprehensive data available.
“But we will of course cross-check the Padu data system with the programme design for the targeted subsidy,” he said.
Speaking about the event, Rafizi praised the Statistics Department for its contribution to the country, describing the department as playing the role of a “pertinent early warning system” that helped assess the country’s policies.
“It helps assess the effectiveness of policies of the current times, as well help identify unintended consequences of certain actions, which at times bring a heavy burden to the country.
“A policy may have good intentions and be well-implemented, but after a generation, if unintended consequences weren’t forseen, that good intention may lead to a new problem for the next generation,” he added.
Among the activities for the National Statistics Day celebration was a children’s colouring contest.
