KUCHING: The RM100 in e-Tunai credit to all adults in the country earning RM100,000 and below annually is timely to ease the burden of people in the M40 and B40 category.
Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Stakan chairman Datuk Sim Kiang Chiok said the one-off incentive for civil servants and government retirees is much appreciated, to address the rising cost of living.
He described the “Madani Economy: Empowering the People” blueprint on the country’s economic direction as a ‘long awaited’ as many had previously raised their concerns that there was lack of planning by the federal unity government in the last eight months – to strengthen the economy.
“With the launching of the blueprint, it has set a clear direction and we are looking forward to some positive changes, it is better late than never,” he said in a statement on Saturday.
Sim said the seven key performance indicators as medium-term targets to be achieved within a period of 10 years; including to place Malaysia in the top 30 of the world’s largest economies; top 12 in the Global Competitiveness Index; labour income constituting 45 per cent of total income; women participation in the labour force reaching 60 per cent; top 25 in Human Development Index; top 25 in Corruption Perception Index; and fiscal sustainability with a fiscal deficit of three per cent or lower.
While emphasising the importance of the equitable distribution of the nation’s future revenues to low and middle-income groups, he said the plan should aim to create more meaningful job opportunities, ensure equal opportunities, and establish a social protection network for all.
“It is hoped that all these approaches can tackle the rising cost of living, depreciation of the ringgit, recapitalisation of our private sectors, especially the small and midsize enterprises (SMEs),” he said.
The approved permit (AP) system, quota system are among the issues that need to be ironed out, to ensure a more competitive environment, reducing corruption in the public and private sectors,” he added.
Apart from that, he said, the plan also intended to enable the implementation of healthcare service reforms, education and human resource reforms, provision of infrastructure and public transportation, and accessibility to basic facilities and affordable housing for all.
“Thus, we must work together in order to place Malaysia in the top 30 of the world’s largest economies, making it an ideal place to work and live as well as a promising future for our children,” he added.
