By Zareef Muzammil
SHAH ALAM, Nov 27 — State representatives have described the 2023 Selangor Budget which was presented on Friday (November 25) as focusing on economic recovery efforts while ensuring the people’s welfare is not marginalised.
Kota Anggerik state assemblyman Najwan Halimi said the budget’s RM2.45 billion expenditure is necessary for economic stabilisation, as well as to implement various initiatives for the people.
He commended Selangor’s efforts to increase the value of the Skim Mesra Usia Emas (SMUE) vouchers to RM150, from RM100 previously, together with the Jom Shopping Perayaan vouchers which have been increased to RM200 to help the needy.
“This year’s budget is quite realistic and timely, as it pays more attention to improving Selangor’s economy while also maintaining the welfare schemes which the state government has been carrying out.
“It is reasonable for the state government to increase SMUE assistance, as I had previously raised the idea during the State Legislative Assembly sessions,” Najwan told Selangorkini.
Similarly, he welcomes the budget for its emphasis on the youth segment, with a RM2.38 million allocation to implement the Selangor Local Youth Movement (PeBS).
“The allocation is also appropriate as many Selangor youths are currently not very active, so with the funds, we can implement numerous programmes that will impact them,” Najwan said.
Meanwhile, Bandar Utama state assemblyman Jamaliah Jamaluddin said additional allocations for welfare programmes are fundamental to easing burdens, in light of the more challenging economic situation next year.
“Several examples include SMUE, Jom Shopping Perayaan and bonuses to state civil servants, which are regarded as a great help and appreciation for the relevant groups.
“Furthermore, the country has just recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic, so these kinds of aid programmes are very helpful for the people as they face more challenging economic conditions ahead of them, compared to previous years,” she said.
For Seri Setia state assemblyman Halimey Abu Bakar, the budget for next year covers all aspects related to children, youths, women and disabled persons.
“My personal opinion is the budget this time is for everyone, despite initial impressions that it seems to focus more on women, especially those who are unemployed or those with no childcare.
“I also welcome the Bantuan Kehidupan Sejahtera Selangor (Bingkas) initiative which will be added, including Jom Shopping Perayaan and SMUE for all races,” he said.
During the tabling of the budget, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said a total of RM2.45 billion has been set aside to prepare for next year’s economic slowdown.
Of this number, RM1.25 billion or 51 per cent has been allocated for operating expenses, while the remaining RM1.2 billion is for development.
