KOTA KINABALU: Budget 2027 tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is able to address cost of living issues, strengthen social protection and improve basic infrastructure, said the National Consumers' Foundation Malaysia, Sabah.
Its Sabah chairman David Chan said the various initiatives prove that the Prime Minister is concerned for the welfare of the B40 and M40 groups who are mostly affected by the increasing prices of daily goods.
He said while these initiatives are seen to be able to alleviate some of the issues faced by the people and economy, leaders must continue to go to the ground, listen and experience the woes of the people.
They must also continue to ensure that all initiatives planned reach the targeted audience and achieve the intended objective, he said.
Chan mentioned the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) allocation which went up from RM15bil to RM16bil, and hopes that its dissemination would be simplified so that those who truly need the aid would not be left out.
He said the RM1,700 to RM2,000 wage increase excluding selected micro, small and medium enterprises must take into account employers' financial capability, because while pay increase is to help workers, the government must make sure this would not lead to increased cost of goods and services that the people have to bear in the end.
He said the RM3.3bil allocation to improve basic facilities in rural areas would benefit many parts of Sabah that still lack proper infrastructure, water and electricity as well as other amenities.
Chan said the reduction in tax for care of elderly people was also something to be happy about.
"Other things such as allocations for affordable housing, extension of the green technology investment incentive up to 2030, would also help many Malaysians," he said.
He urged for the implementation of these initiatives to be conducted transparently, honestly and consistently so that the intended results are achieved.
