KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 11: The mid-term review of the 12th Malaysia Plan, tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Parliament today, saw an additional allocation of RM15 billion, raising the expenditure ceiling to RM415 billion from RM400 billion previously.
The Unity Government is committed to spending at least RM90 billion annually for the years 2023, 2024 and 2025. An expenditure of RM64.3 billion was made in 2021 and RM71.6 billion in 2022.
This is to facilitate various economic development and empowerment plans for the country and its people under the Unity Government’s Madani Economy, in tandem with the National Energy Transition Roadmap and the New Industrial Masterplan 2030, Anwar said.
Under the new plans, special focus will be given to eradicate acute poverty, with an allocation of RM1.5 billion aimed at raising people’s income.
Structural enhancements in the areas of energy transition, digital industry, electrical and electronics, food security, and the rare earth mining industry will be also covered under the plans.
Support will be also given to further growing Islamic economy with focus on halal products and innovation in Islamic finance as well to areas covering the export of global services, creative industry, aerospace and tourism.
Anwar said the major spending will go into basic infrastructures for the people including the upgrading of 1,200 clinics between 2023 and 2025, while speeding up the upgrading of Hospital Sultanah Aminah 2, in Johor with a cost of RM500 million to overcome congestion in the hospital.
Other areas to see improvement will be schools, and roads including the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road II, Pan Borneo Sabah as well as the expansion of the Pulau Pinang Airport and the redevelopment of the Subang Airport and the construction of a new port in Pulau Carey (Klang, Selangor).
Improving electricity supply in Sabah, and resolving the problem of water supply in Kelantan and Sabah, food supply security through MADA’s rice fields in Kedah with an allocation of RM3 billion as well as meeting the commitments on flood mitigation projects were also announced in the mid-review plan.
Anwar also highlighted the issue of border security, including the development of the naval base in Bintiulu, acquisition of additional assets for the Malaysian Armed Forces.
Anwar said the plans under the Malaysian Plan will be supported by renewed government procurement and delivery systems.
–WE