BY MARGARET RINGGIT, TANIA LAM & FLORENCE GENTA
KUCHING: The 2021 Budget presented on Friday has received mixed reactions from members of the public.
Some have commended the initiatives to stimulate the economy and assist the people, as well as the measures towards combating the Covid-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, others have expressed disappointment over the RM4.5 billion development expenditure allocated to Sarawak.
New Sarawak Tribune interviewed several members of the public for their thoughts on the 2021 Budget.
Seán Matjeraie (digital content lead)
On paper, everything looks good — it is more targeted with who it will impact and is a good move towards stimulating the economy. However, my concern is how the government is sustaining a budget like this, when last year everyone thought the country had no money. Another concern is the execution of initiatives such as those for mental health and domestic violence.
Tan Shao Chien (chemist)
The 2021 Budget has allocated RM4.5 billion to Sarawak for infrastructure development, which is RM100 million more than the 2020 Budget. While this is a slight improvement, I hope the government can look into allocating more for the development of Sarawak as the state has already contributed so much towards Malaysia.
Shah Ahmed Farouq (journalist)
I think the 2021 Budget which was presented on Friday can help a lot of sectors, but I was disappointed to see so much invested in Special Affairs Department (Jasa) when more funds could have been injected into other areas that needed it.
Spanski Steven (Malaysian Youth Parliament member)
Overall, it is a good budget but I’m not satisfied. Sarawak is receiving less compared to its neighbouring state of Sabah. In addition, the 2021 Budget focuses more on efforts to curb Covid-19.
Chia Kah Furng (SUPP Piasau staff member)
As an equal partner with Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak should receive equal allocations in the 2021 Budget. Instead, Sarawak received RM4.5 billion compared to the development fund allocated for Sabah at RM5.1 billion.
Roslin Niyak (student)
It is a comprehensive budget, and I hope we can manage to curb the spread of Covid-19. But I was hoping that Sarawak would receive an allocation equal to Sabah’s.
Datuk Chieng Buong Toon (SUPP Bukit Assek branch chairman)
I thank the federal government for helping the people in facing Covid-19 and providing many incentives to people affected by the pandemic. However, I am disappointed because Sarawak is only given a mere RM4.5 billion for development; the allocation does not justify Sarawak as one of the three equal partners in the Federation.
Romeo Christopher Tegong (PBB Bawang Assan chairman)
We are rich in resources and should tap into that to become a main exporter because no matter what, we must have enough food on the table. Every country has its own coffer to spend for the people to provide food for them during times like this. The 2021 Budget is for all Malaysians and we should be united.
Anis Dana (food entrepreneur)
The government should focus more on employment opportunities for the people. What people need now are job opportunities as many of us have lost our jobs due to Covid-19. People need income to support their families.
