Budget 2021 a catalyst for country's economy, saviour for those affected by COVID-19 - Ministers

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said the RM300 million allocation for the MY30 travel pass and new RM5 per month unlimited travel pass for school students, for example, could ease the financial burden of consumers and parents during this challenging time.

"The provision of training and re-employment programme for 8,000 staff involved in the aviation sector (which is the worst affected by COVID-19) will provide new job opportunities for them to ensure a more secure future," he said in a statement yesterday.

Wee said public transport system development projects such as the Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link) from Johor Bahru, Johor to Woodlands, Singapore; MRT3 (Mass Rapid Transit) in the Klang Valley and the Gemas-Johor Bahru Electrified Double-Track Railway will also help catalyse the economy, while increasing the efficiency of the country's transportation system.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said his ministry would utilise the RM778 million announced in the Budget to defend Malaysia's interests as well as help the government succeed in terms of tackling the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hishammuddin said the allocation would also be used to strengthen the role of Malaysian Representative Offices abroad as well as the welfare of the ministry’s staff worldwide.

Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican described the budget as being comprehensive, with a serious emphasis on youth and sports development.

Reezal Merican was thankful that his ministry's views were considered in the Budget, which paid due attention to efforts to develop and restore sports ecosystem post-COVID-19.

Senior Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the Budget proved the government's commitment to continuing with the Pan Borneo Highway in Sabah and Sarawak, including the 21-km Serusop to Pituru package which was considered a 'missing link' in the project.

"The Budget also encourages the use of technology in the construction sector, in line with the ministry's aspiration to 'Digitise the National Construction Sector' beginning in 2021,” he added.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba said the allocation for the health sector is expected to help the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) develop and expand the public health approach and primary healthcare, especially in the fight against COVID-19.