By Adrian Lim
KUCHING, Nov 7: An economic fellow of Malaysia Datuk Dr Madeline Berma believes that Budget 2021 fell short of expectations for Sarawak.
According to her, there were several expectations that were not met when Budget 2021 was tabled by Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz yesterday at the Parliament.
“There were several unmet expectations. I had expected a larger allocation for Sarawak and Sabah.
“However, Sabah and Sarawak will each receive RM5.1 billion and RM4.5 billion (respectively).
“Not much different to that of Budget 2020.
“RM20 million specifically for the Indian Community Entrepreneur Development Scheme (SPUMI) and only RM5 million for entrepreneur development for other minority communities, which may include Orang Asal of Sarawak and Sabah.
“There should be more allocations to narrow rural-urban gap, poverty in Sarawak and Sabah,” she said.
On the positive side, Madeline said Budget 2021 is a rakyat-centric budget, with huge allocations to mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the people’s well-being.
She pointed out that the budget addresses the critical needs, pain and discomfort of Malaysians, particularly the vulnerable groups such as B40, persons with disability (OKU) and single-mothers.
She added Budget 2021 also addresses the worst affected economic sectors like tourism and travel.
Madeline noted there were cash handouts for poor families and front-line workers in fighting the coronavirus crisis, wage subsidies and funds to create new jobs and train workers.
She said other goodies in the budget include the extension of loan moratorium and withdrawal of money from the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) Account 1 to assist people in reducing their financial burden as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Madeline asserted that there were various incentives and subsidies provided for caregivers, farmers, fishermen and industries to boost productivity and woo investors to Malaysia. —DayakDaily
