KUALA LUMPUR – Youth are among the winners in Budget 2023, tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday, with benefits for them spread across several ministries and initiatives.
Besides direct financial aid, youths also stand to see improved learning experiences and blooming job opportunities.
Rahmah e-cash credit
The most direct assistance to youths is the “e-Tunai Belia Rahmah”, a cash credit initiative for those aged between 18 and 20, who will receive a one-off payment of RM200.
Some RM400 million is allocated for this scheme, which will benefit about two million youths nationwide.
Benefits in education sector
With the Education Ministry receiving the highest budget – RM55.2 million – among the ministries, students can look forward to a better learning environment.
RM1.1 billion will be spent on the maintenance of all public schools in Malaysia, including improvements for washrooms, wiring, drainage systems, and furniture replacements in classrooms and hostels.
The free meals plan or Rancangan Makanan Tambahan programme for students from underprivileged families will also see the value of meals raised from RM2.50 to RM3.50 in the peninsula, and RM3 to RM4 in Sabah and Sarawak. The total allocation is RM777 million, which will benefit 700,000 students.
To enhance digital proficiency in learning, 50,000 laptops for students will be provided to schools and educational institutions.
High praise in higher education
Youth will also benefit from the budget for public tertiary education with RM300 million set aside for maintenance works at public universities and RM436 million to replace equipment.
Bumiputera youth will receive educational benefits through the People’s Trust Council, Peneraju Foundation and Universiti Teknologi Mara.
Those with education loans from the national higher education fund are granted a 20% discount on their loan repayment for three months, starting March 1, while repayment deferrals for a period of six months will be granted to borrowers with a monthly income of RM1,800 and below.
Protégé programmes
Under the entrepreneurship initiative, the government allocated RM5 million for its Professional Training and Education for Growing Entrepreneurs (Protégé) programme. It aims to create a generation of well-trained and knowledgeable graduates via industrial attachment programmes.
Skills training opportunities
Youth will also benefit from the 35,000 career opportunities to be offered to various communities.
RM1 billion will be allocated for skills training under HRD Corp to increase productivity and income opportunities. Young adults are eligible to join these programmes.
Youth in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programmes will also benefit under a new push to have private sector companies run training provided at TVET institutions to ensure industry needs are met. Through this initiative, the government will also ensure that TVET graduates employed by the private sector can receive salaries of more than RM2,000.
License subsidies
Youth can also receive subsidies for driving tests for B2-class motorcycle licences, as well as licences for transportation services such as buses, taxis, and e-hailing services. This is to help ease their search for employment. – The Vibes, February 25, 2023
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