Search

More should be given to Sabah, Sarawak

Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp
Telegram
Email
Economic analyst Associate Prof Dr Madeline Berma

KUCHING: An economic analyst viewed that although the 2021 Budget is people-centric, she also thought that more should be allocated to Sarawak and Sabah.

Associate Prof Dr Madeline Berma praised the RM41 million for native customary rights (NCR) land survey and gazetting in Sarawak and Sabah.

However, she said a larger allocation should be given to the two Borneo states as Sabah and Sarawak received RM5.1 billion and RM4.5 billion respectively. Last year, RM4.4 billion was allocated for Sarawak in the 2020 Budget while Sabah was allocated RM5.2 billion.

Having said that, Dr Madeline said the 2021 Budget has the highest allocation so far with RM325.5 billion compared to RM297 billion in the previous budget.

“Although the allocation is huge, the amount needed to spur economic recovery post-Covid is even higher.

“This is an expansionary budget to support the people, and boost the Malaysian economy,” she said.

She said overall, it is a people-centric budget with huge allocations to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the peoples’ wellbeing. 

“The budget addresses the critical needs, pain and discomfort of Malaysians, particularly the vulnerable groups such as B40, people with disabilities (OKU) and single mothers. The budget also addressed economic sectors hit the hardest by Covid-19, such as tourism,” she said.

Download from Apple Store or Play Store.