KUCHING: Datuk Sim Kiang Chiok says the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) is a great plan as it addresses how to ride through the pandemic, rebuild lives and livelihoods as well as getting the nation back on track to achieving high-income status by 2025.
“The 12MP development budget is set at RM400 billion, an increase from RM248.5 billion previously, and demonstrates that our government is serious about getting our country back on track after the pandemic,” said the Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (Sheda) chairman.
“The plan has set goals for the economy and income growth, as well as reducing income disparities among citizens and regions of the country by creating new jobs, including the gig economy, rebuilding our businesses, including micro enterprises, and restoring and increasing a competitive enterprise-driven economy.
“It has also made plans for improved social security and environmental protection in order to ensure our country’s long-term progress,” Sim said on Monday (Sept 27).
He also praised the fact that 12MP had devoted an entire chapter to enhancing Sarawak and Sabah’s social and economic development.
“Our prime minister has stated his commitment to resolving all MA63 issues and closing infrastructure development gaps, including completing the Pan Borneo Highway, improving utilities, improving health in the state by converting our University into a Hospital University, and constructing 26 clinics across Sarawak and Sabah, apart from digitalising the East Malaysia region to reduce poverty and narrowing the income gap.
“The target of building 500,000 affordable houses over the next five years is attainable, but it may not be enough to meet the ever-increasing demand.
“Financing arrangements for affordable houses are expected to be improved, making repayment easier for all Malaysians who want to own a house.
“Overall, the 12MP represents our country’s future, which has been charted over the last 55 years in these five-yearly medium-term plans.
“We need a future plan in order for our country to progress and thrive.
“Despite the reality that the pandemic has caused a blip in our country’s upward economic trajectory, we can still restore, reset, and relaunch our growth path for a better future for all Malaysians with strong discipline and solid planning.”
