Ordinary Malaysians The Real Winners Of Budget 2025

By M. Saraswathi

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 (Bernama) -- Budget 2025 tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim does not mention any major or high-profile projects.

But as Anwar, who is also the finance minister, pointed out in his speech, the budget would focus not on mega but people-centric projects. Therefore, the emphasis is on continuing existing projects such as the Pan Borneo Highway and increasing hi-tech parks, which will benefit the people directly.

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The latest budget reflects a balanced and thoughtful approach to addressing the needs of the nation, especially in addressing the rising living cost of the rakyat. Undoubtedly, the focus was on the people, targeting the most vulnerable segments of society.

It was noteworthy that Anwar’s speech had dissected the vulnerable into several groups, comprising women, senior citizens, persons with disabilities (OKU), autistic children, and indigenous people.

And to encourage more women to re-enter the workforce, tax rebates will be offered to employers.

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Many might have missed it, but the sum of RM64.1 billion for education from RM58.7 billion in 2024 was the highest allocation in history. It goes to show where Anwar’s priority lies. Besides this, there would be RM4 billion for scholarships, loans and education allowances, which means more opportunities in education for the poor.

The vulnerable would also be assisted as evidenced by the significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year. Allocations would be raised to RM13 billion next year from RM10 billion, benefitting some nine million recipients or 60 per cent of the adult population. A total of 4.1 million STR recipients will receive SARA amounting to RM100 per month, compared to 700,000 recipients this year.

Anwar also announced increased financial assistance under the Social Welfare Department (JKM), amounting to RM2.9 billion from RM2.4 billion. This would enable higher monthly welfare payments for the underprivileged.

The hike in the minimum wage to RM1,700 from RM1,500 previously, though surprising, was much-needed support for wage earners hard-pressed to meet their daily expenses. This might still be insufficient given the spiralling price of basic necessities, nevertheless, it is a small step in building a better financial base for the rakyat.

The announcement that the RON95 fuel subsidy rationalisation will only be implemented in July and done in a way where 85 per cent of the population will not be affected comes as a huge relief. This means that ultimately wealthier individuals and foreign residents will have to pay the full price. The government expects to save RM8 billion annually from this change.

There was also no mention of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) while the Sales and Service Tax (SST) will be targeting non-essential imported goods like salmon and avocado, providing further relief.

Infrastructure projects focusing on regional development such as flood mitigation and road expansion with a total allocation of RM120 billion under the public and private infrastructure projects will continue. These projects are critical for balancing regional development and boosting economic resilience.

For this writer, who is concerned about the deteriorating conditions of the historic  Sultan Abdul Samad building, the announcement that efforts would be taken to restore and raise the value of the building was music to the ears. It is about time we recognise the irreplaceable heritage this majestic building, which is about 127 years old, represents.

Overall, Budget 2025 has prioritised the people’s social welfare with generous handouts to those who need it most, clearly proving that it is the ordinary Malaysian - the true backbone of our country - who is the real winner of this budget.

-- BERNAMA