KUALA LUMPUR: Budget 2022, themed "Keluarga Malaysia, Makmur Sejahtera" (A Prosperous Malaysian Family) that was tabled in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday, does not marginalise the country's youths, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
He said Budget 2022 was inclusive and covered all levels of society, involving those living in urban and rural areas as well as all races and religions.
He said this was despite the negative comments made by youths on social media claiming the government supposedly marginalised them under Budget 2022.
"The government has never and will never marginalise youths in anything announced for Malaysia, our country. Surely youths are given priority, that is why I said earlier that our country's future depends on the youths today.
"It's impossible for us to marginalise or sideline the youths. In the budget that was announced yesterday, there are 25 types of direct or indirect incentives for youths," he said when launching the 2021 National Youth Day celebration here today.
Ismail Sabri clarified that the budget for youths was not placed under a specific topic but could be found under the topic that covered, among others, persons with disabilities (PwD), senior citizens and women.
Ismail Sabri said that one of the initiatives was the PerantiSiswa scheme that will provide a tablet to every B40 student in institutions of higher education, with the government contributing about RM800 per unit.
Apart from that, the government is also committed to providing 600,000 job opportunities to help unemployed youths through the JaminKerja initiative.
Other incentives, the prime minister said, included the skills tax relief, Perlindungan Tenang Voucher, MySalam, Kasih Suri, childcare centre fees, micro credit, e-sports and housing for the informal sector.
For example, the incentive on housing for the informal sector, he said, would be carried out via the government's allocation of RM2 billion provided through the Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme for youths who do not have proof of fixed income, such as pay slips, to purchase houses.
"(Take) The Felda Youth Council (as an example). Felda has a Felda Second Generation Housing programme, but the youths in Felda cannot buy these houses because they do not have pay slips as they are self-employed, and that's the same problem for (purchasing) other houses," he said.
Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri said he understood the aspirations and needs of youths because, before he entered into politics, he had also been directly involved with youth groups when he joined a youth association after completing his varsity studies.
"So, I understand what are their needs and requirements. I understand and the first ministerial post I held was Minister of Youth and Sports.
"So, trust me that this prime minister is originally from a youth association and the youth ministry. So, surely I understand the aspirations of our youths and the youth bodies," he said.
Meanwhile, the prime minister said he would discuss with Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu to review every proposal presented by Malaysian Youth Council president Jufitri Joha for the benefit of youths in the country.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Sat Oct 30 2021
Ismail Sabri said Budget 2022 was inclusive and covered all levels of society, involving those living in urban and rural areas as well as all races and religions. - FB\Ismail Sabri Yaakob
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.