KUCHING – Budget 2022 – which was tabled in Parliament on Friday – has some sunny-side benefits for Sarawakians and Sabahans, said economist Datuk Madeline Berma.
Speaking to The Vibes, she said the allocation of RM1.5 billion for infrastructure development in the two states is a good move.
“This allocation will help increase development activities in the states, and the spin-off multiplier effect will be job opportunities for those in the lower strata of society in Sabah and Sarawak.”
The emphasis given to the development of dilapidated schools in Sarawak and Sabah is another allocation that she finds attractive and beneficial, as many schools in these states – especially in rural areas – are old and lacking in facilities.
The government has allocated RM746 million to upgrade dilapidated schools. A big portion of this allocation will provide for the upgrading of 165 dilapidated schools in Sarawak and 112 in Sabah.
“Although this problem has been addressed in previous national budgets, it is good to know that Budget 2022 is continuing to provide allocations to give these schools a new upgrade.”
She added that the subsidised transport and distribution costs of necessities like liquefied petroleum gas to rural areas in East Malaysia will improve logistics to transport the basic needs of the people and lessen their burden.
Madeline also highlighted other areas beneficial to Sarawak and Sabah – such as the government’s adjustment of the levy rate to 3% on par with that of Peninsular Malaysia, the infant milk bank to help ease malnutrition issues among children, and special allocations for the development of a highly-skilled workforce in both states.
“These are benefits that will help contribute to the progress of both states in the long run.
“However, my expectations of a special fund for uplifting the ‘lost learning generation’ did not show up in Budget 2022. It is important for training to be provided for teachers, parents, and students,” she pointed out. – The Vibes, October 31, 2021
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