KUALA LUMPUR – The government has proposed an allocation of RM32.4 billion for the health sector in Budget 2022.
Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said the allocation for the Health Ministry was the second largest after that for the Education Ministry.
“The government has agreed to continue the contract appointment of more than 10,000 medical, dentistry, and pharmacy officers.”
He added that their maximum service period will be increased from two years to four, to ensure the continuation of their services and prepare them for training in specialised areas.
Additionally, he said, the government will allocate RM100 million for 3,000 medical and dentistry officers for specialisation training.
He added that RM70 million will go to ensuring mental health is being given priority, especially in the areas of counselling, psychosocial, and advocacy programmes, apart from consolidating the role of non-governmental organisations as main movers of mental health programmes.
He said the government is looking to introduce tax breaks for individuals who seek assistance from registered psychiatric, psychology, and counselling specialists.
Apart from expenses to address Covid-19, he said the government will continue the Healthy Malaysia agenda in fostering a culture of addressing non-communicable diseases.
The minister said the government proposes imposing an excise duty on sugar-based products such as chocolate, cocoa, malt, coffee, and tea.
He added that the government is also looking to impose taxes on liquid products that contain nicotine and are used for electronic cigarettes or vape devices.
“To ensure the readiness of public health, the government wants to continue cooperating with the Red Crescent Society and St Johns Ambulance Malaysia to raise access and response reach.” – The Vibes, October 29, 2021
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