Kuala Lumpur: The Unity Government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Friday tabled the national 2023 Budget totalling RM388.1 billion, of which RM289.1 billion is allocated for operating expenditure and RM99 billion for developing expenditure, including RM2 billion for contingency savings.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said in line with the expanding fiscal policy, the allocation for development was increased to RM97 billion compared to RM71.6 billion last year.
“The increase is to enable focus to be given to programmes to eradicate poverty, repair public infrastructure and rural facilities.
“With the reform in government procurement procedures, it will be ensured that this increased allocation is fully utilised for the benefit of the people,” he said.
This is the first budget to be tabled by the Unity Government led by Anwar.
The previous government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismai Sabri Yaakob had tabled Budget 2023 totalling RM372.3 billion in October last year, but Parliament was dissolved for the 15th general election before it could be debated and passed.
Anwar said Budget 2023 will be the first step to explore the Malaysia Madani development framework which focuses on 12 main initiatives based on three objectives, namely driving an inclusive and sustainable economy, institutional reform and governance to restore confidence, and social justice to reduce imbalance.
He said the Unity Government is determined to control the fiscal position, including dealing with national debt and at the same time continuing to support inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
The Prime Minister said the tabling of the budget Friday, which is dubbed the Madani Budget, reflects a noble value system capable of addressing current challenges, including the global economic uncertainty.
“After listening to the grievances of the people and the problems voiced out by the members of Parliament in this august hall, I decided to table a budget by presenting facts and actual numbers and will not try to confuse people’s minds with impressive data,” he said.
Anwar said the Government would also reduce fiscal deficit in 2023 by five per cent from 5.6 per cent in 2022.
He said the Government is determined to achieve a sustainable permanent deficit level in the medium term with a target of 3.2 per cent to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2025 subject to continued strong economic growth.
Budget 2023 highlights Government proposes to introduce a luxury goods tax starting this year. Government plans to impose excise duty on liquid or gel nicotine products for e-cigarettes and vaping devices. RM50 million to build and upgrade 3,000 stalls and kiosks for small traders. To immediately re-tender six flood mitigation projects, including in Johor, Selangor and Kelantan. Disaster management preparedness: RM150 million for Nadma, RM50 million for Armed Forces, Bomba and Rela, RM20 million under Geran Pertubuhan Prihatin Komuniti to benefit 2,000 residents’ associations. The Ecological Fiscal Transfer for Biodiversity Conservation (EFT) allocation to state governments to be increased to RM150 million annually. Government allocates RM38 million for wildlife protection, such as tigers and elephants and their habitats. To combat corruption, government plans to amend the Whistleblowers Protection Act this year. RM1.2 billion to repair 400 dilapidated clinics and 380 dilapidated schools. RM2.7 billion to maintain and upgrade federal roads. RM1.5 billion to upgrade and construct new rural roads. RM10 million in operating grants to strengthen the roles of the National Scam Response Centre. Government to amend Insolvency Act 1967 so that bankruptcy cases can be automatically discharged at short notice. Bankruptcy cases with debts of less than RM50,000 that meet the conditions will be discharged immediately from March 1. A special team will be established under D11 to combat child pornography. Women, Family and Community Development Ministry to set up Child Development Department to provide comprehensive support services for children. Government to formulate Consumer Credit Act and establish Consumer Credit Oversight Board to regulate credit businesses. RM50 million for the National Dual Training Scheme (SLDN), to benefit 8,000 trainees. Social Security Organisation (Socso) hiring incentive of RM600 per month for a period of three months to employers who hire 17,000 graduates (especially TVET). Socso hiring incentives up to RM600 per month for a period of three months to employers who hire persons with disabilities, ex-convicts, homeless individuals and unemployed. RM50 million in matching grants to encourage the automation of the plantation sector through the use robotics and Artificial Intelligence. Childcare fee subsidy of RM180 per month to government servants, household income limit to be increased from RM5,000 to RM7,000. To continue construction of 80 KEMAS taska and tabika, including 13 new projects. RM250 million for tourism promotional activities. To address congestion in tourism spots: RM480 million to build new road from Habu to Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands, Pahang, and RM525 million to upgrade North-South Expressway from Yong Peng Utara to Senai Utara from four lanes to six lanes in stages. RM725 million to improve digital connectivity in 47 industrial areas, nearly 3,700 schools. Government to ensure Digital Economy Centre (PEDi) facility in each state constituency before the end of this year. RM30 million to improve liveability in public housing in Kuala Lumpur. RM50 million to Melaka and Penang to maintain UNESCO world heritage sites. RM750 million to Economy Ministry to implement Inisiatif Pendapatan Rakyat (People’s Income Initiative). Government allocates up to RM64 billion in subsidies, aid and incentives to minimise cost of living. RM100 million to implement Jualan Rahmah programme in every parliamentary constituency. Households with income less than RM2,500 eligible to receive Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah up to RM2,500, depending on the number of children. RM200 in e-Tunai Belia Rahmah credit, involving an allocation of RM400 million. RM1.6 billion to provide various subsidies and incentives for padi farmers. Cash aid of RM200 per month for three months or one season, to benefit 240,000 padi farmers. Monsoon aid for smallholders to be increased from RM600 to RM800 for a period of four months, to benefit 320,000 individuals. M40: Income tax rate for individuals in the RM35,000 - RM100,000 income band will be lowered by two percentage points. Income tax rate for individuals earning over RM100,000 - RM1 million annually will be increased between 0.5 and two percentage points. RM30 million to implement agro-food projects with several state governments. RM50 million to maintain and repair non-Muslim houses of worship nationwide. Sabah, Sarawak to receive RM6.5 billion and RM5.6 billion, respectively, for development. Over RM2.5 billion for public infrastructure projects in Sabah, Sarawak. RM30 million to add more mobile clinics, banks and courts to facilitate rural folks in Sabah, Sarawak. Home Ministry and Defence Ministry to receive RM18.5 billion and RM17.7 billion, respectively. To add 42 border control posts for General Operations Force, Immigration Department, Esscom and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency. To build over 7,000 units of affordable housing for ATM personnel in Kuala Lumpur under the Satu Anggota Satu Rumah (SASaR) programme. RM1.5 billion for Islamic affairs. Monthly allowance for 35,000 Kafa teachers to be increased to RM1,100, involving an additional allocation of over RM40 million. Special contribution of RM600 to imam, bilal, siak, noja, marbut, Kafa teachers and takmir teachers. RM20 million for sports, cultural and arts programmes in schools and community. RM50 million in matching grants to encourage private sector to sponsor sports programmes, especially those promoting unity. RM324 million to improve training programmes and sports facilities including for para athletes. RM102 million for Digital Content Fund to boost marketing of local arts products. RM25 million to enliven cultural and arts activities at community level. Government to donate RM10 million to Yayasan Restu for immediate distribution of 20,000 copies of the Quran with Swedish translation and other languages. To continue with My50 monthly pass initiative for rail and bus services, to benefit 180,000 users. RM209 million in subsidies for air transport services to benefit rural residents in Sabah and Sarawak. RM55.2 billion for Education Ministry, RM15.3 billion for Higher Education Ministry, RM36.3 billion for Health Ministry. RM900 million to maintain facilities in all schools. RM428 million for research and development activities under the Higher Education Ministry and Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry. Government agrees to provide a 20 per cent discount on PTPTN loan repayments for three months, starting March 1. Government also agrees to defer repayment for borrowers with a monthly income of RM1,800 and below, for a period of six months. RM120 million to introduce the Madani Medical Scheme, specifically for the poor to get health treatment at private clinics and general practitioners. From the assessment year 2023, the tax relief limit on medical treatment expenses will be increased from RM8,000 to RM10,000. RM50 million for Local Government Development Ministry to maintain PPR projects. Government plans to expand the scope of tax relief for life insurance premiums or life takaful contributions to include voluntary contributions to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) up to RM3,000. Amanah Saham Bumiputera (ASB) and Amanah Saham Bumiputera 2 (ASB2) investment limit raised from RM200,000 to RM300,000. Government agrees to increase the Amanah Saham Malaysia’s fund size to RM5 billion. Government agrees to contribute RM500 to EPF members aged between 40 and 54 who have less than RM10,000 in their Account 1. Special allowance of RM100 per day to all Malaysian rescue personnel involved in search and rescue missions in Turkiye and Syria. Special Aidilfitri Assistance of RM700 for civil servants of Grade 56 and below, including those on contract basis, and RM350 for government pensioners.
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