Wishlist for the National Budget 2024: Focus on safety

THE Alliance for a Safe Community wishes to express its thoughts and recommendations for the upcoming National Budget 2024. Our proposals are aimed at fostering safety and health, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in adhering to regulatory requirements, promoting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) corporate standards, and advancing road safety. We believe that these measures will contribute to a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future for our nation.

> Budget allocation for safety and health promotion in SMEs: We call on the government to provide a substantial budget allocation to NGOs actively involved in promoting safety and health in workplaces, particularly in the SME sector.

These funds will be utilised for training programmes in Occupational Safety and Health Competency courses, Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Risk Control, and other initiatives aimed at ensuring compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (Osha) 2022. Investing in workplace safety education will enhance the well-being of workers and improve overall productivity.

> Tax incentives for Osha compliance by SMEs: We propose offering tax incentives to SMEs that successfully comply with Osha provisions within 2024. This will not only encourage SMEs to prioritise workplace safety but also contribute to a safer and healthier work environment for all employees.

> Tax incentives for basic level ESG compliance by SMEs: In line with global sustainability goals, we recommend providing tax incentives to SMEs that establish and implement ESG policies, roadmaps, and Key Performance Indicators. This initiative will incentivise businesses to contribute to environmental protection, social responsibility, and ethical governance.

> Tax exemption for NGO revenue from safety and consultancy services: To encourage NGOs to actively participate in safety and health initiatives, we propose granting tax exemptions on revenue generated from safety and consultancy services. This exemption will bolster the financial sustainability of NGOs and facilitate their continued contributions to society.

> Human Resource Development Corporation (HRDC) waiver of service fees for safety and health training providers: We request a waiver of the 4% service fees imposed by the HRDC for training providers offering courses related to safety and health. This will make such training more accessible and affordable, fostering a culture of safety in our workforce.

> Allocation of grants for road safety campaigns: Road safety, especially among motorcyclists, is a pressing concern in our nation. We urge the government to allocate grants to NGOs actively involved in road safety campaigns. These funds will support awareness programmes, educational initiatives, and infrastructure improvements to reduce accidents and save lives.

> Tax deductibility for fire detection/fighting equipment for residents: To promote fire safety at the grassroots level, we recommend making expenses related to fire detection and fighting equipment tax-deductible for residents, up to RM1,000 a year. This measure will encourage households to invest in life-saving equipment.

> Tax incentive for tour operators and resort operators promoting cultural tourism that enhances unity and diversity: Cultural tourism plays a vital role in promoting unity, diversity, and preserving our rich heritage. We propose the introduction of tax incentives for tour operators and resort operators that actively promote cultural tourism experiences.

These incentives could include tax breaks or deductions for expenditures related to cultural programmes, heritage conservation, and activities that celebrate our diverse cultural heritage. Encouraging such initiatives will not only boost tourism but also foster a sense of national unity and respect for our cultural diversity.

> Special allocation for upgrading and expanding motorcycle lanes nationwide: Motorcycle accidents and fatalities continue to be a pressing concern in our country, and one of the reasons for this is the perceived inadequacy of existing motorcycle lanes. Many riders opt not to use them due to their unacceptable standards.

To address this issue effectively, we urge the government to allocate funds not only for the construction of new motorcycle lanes but also for the comprehensive upgrade of existing lanes. This upgrade should focus on improving safety, visibility, and overall infrastructure quality to encourage motorcyclists to use the dedicated lanes.

> Import duty reduction for personal protective equipment (PPE) and automated external defibrillator (AED) tools: To encourage the use of PPE, particularly among SMEs, we recommend a reduction in import duties on such equipment or offering rebates to employers to purchase PPE. This reduction would make PPE more affordable and accessible for businesses, thereby improving workplace safety.

Additionally, we propose extending this reduction to AED tools to facilitate their widespread implementation, especially in public spaces and workplaces. Encouraging the use of AEDs can significantly improve the chances of saving lives in cases of sudden cardiac arrest.

We understand the complexities of budget allocation and taxation policies but firmly believe that these proposals align with our collective vision for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable nation.

TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE

CHIN YEW SIN

Alliance for a Safe Community