Deputy Finance Minister I Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan has said that the Ministry of Finance (MOF) is currently analysing new proposals and suggestions that have been shared with them for Budget 2024, in hopes of including them into the upcoming national budget.

The deputy minister stated that various parties – including ministries, state governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and individuals – have provided feedback and proposals to the MOF. “The other ministries have conducted their engagement sessions. Our staff have liaised with all ministries and state governments to obtain feedback on Budget 2024. The MOF is reviewing the feedback and requests from all parties, including requests related to development for Budget 2024,” he said.

Additionally, Maslan noted that Budget 2024 will focus on improving the methods and avenues that are being used to channel government initiatives. This is to ensure that the aids will truly reach and benefit the intended segments of the society.

“The government has implemented programmes and initiatives at the federal level for targeted groups, yet many have not benefitted from these programmes and initiatives. We will analyse the root cause and improve (the implementation),” said Maslan, adding that the upcoming budget will continue to focus on bettering the people’s wellbeing.

On top of these, the MOF has also received some comments and feedback regarding existing policies and how to improve them, said Maslan. For instance, several companies and enterprises have shared that they are unable to meet the updated minimum wage level of RM1,500 – which was announced in May 2022 – and offered some suggestions on how to enhance the minimum wage policy.

Engagement sessions for Budget 2024 had begun in August, where members of the Cabinet were asked by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to hold sessions under their respective capabilities to find out what is needed at the ministerial level to improve aid for the people and accelerate the nation’s growth. Engagement teams from the MOF also visited various states across the country to meet with members of the public, and Malaysians could submit their opinions online via the official MOF website too.

Budget 2024 is slated to be tabled on 13 October 2023, at 4pm.

(Source: The Star)

• TAGS:
• Budget 2024
• Budget 2024 Engagement Sessions
• Budget 2024 Proposal
• Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan
• Minimum Wage