Budget 2023: cost of living takes centre stage

KUALA LUMPUR – Cost of living is one of the main focuses by the government during the tabling of Budget 2023 in the Parliament today.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar told the Dewan Rakyat that the government will provide up to RM64 billion in subsidies, aids, and incentives.

“A large amount of this fund is to minimise the cost of living through price control of goods, financial assistance, and provide services to most people.

“This is no small amount. As such, the relevant ministry must ensure effective implementation and avoid any leakage for the sake of the people’s dignity.”

Anwar, who is also finance minister, said 2023 is the year the government wishes to put a stop to hardcore poverty, which amounts to 130,000 people who are struggling regardless of background, region and state.

The government is also implementing a People’s Income Initiative (IPR) that will focus on empowering the poor to increase their income potential through an allocation of RM750 million to the Economy Ministry.

“Any poverty aid must be done with an effort to solve the problem of the hardcore poor so that Malaysia is listed among the first countries that can seriously save the people from the shackles of extreme poverty,” Anwar said.

Meanwhile, he said the government welcomed the efforts of the federal government of Sarawak and Sabah who agreed to continue existing programmes, but added to focus on using the petroleum revenue from both states, to eradicate extreme poverty.

Additionally, the Finance Ministry will ensure the federal financial funds allocated for Kelantan and Terengganu be channelled directly to help the poor.

Anwar announced that the government provided RM30 million to support the efforts made by the United Nations Development Programme and the All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia to increase activities related to the Sustainable Development Goals.

RM10 million will also be mobilised to the community garden programme at the parliamentary level. – The Vibes, February 24, 2023