On December 20, the temporary operating budget amounting to RM107.7 billion has been passed in the Dewan Rakyat. The ‘mini budget’ that was tabled by Prime Minister and finance minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to be implemented on January 1, 2023.
Anwar’s “Mini Budget” passed without any opposition
The Consolidated Fund (Expenditure on Account) Bill 2022 was tabled for the first reading on December 19, and was passed without debates on the second and third readings. It mainly focuses on the salaries of civil servants and other government expenditures until the 2023 Budget is approved and comes into operation.
Anwar stated that the temporary operating budget is required during the absence of the 2023 Budget so that ongoing development and projects could proceed. Furthermore, he announced that the budget retained some initiatives that were brought forth by the previous administration, with hopes of improving public welfare.
Here’s what you need to know about the “Mini Budget”
1. Every student is entitled to receive an RM150 cash aid regardless of their parent’s income
This initiative was initially proposed by former Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob in the previous Budget 2023 announcement. This early school assistance of Rm150 will be provided to all students without the requirements of the family’s income limit in order to aid the parents in getting their children back on track with their studies.
2. Civil servants will continue to receive an RM100 increment
Anwar stated that his government will proceed with an annual raise of RM100 for every public servant between Grade 11 to Grade 56, which amounted to RM1.5 billion.
3. RM4 billion provided for flood relief
RM 4 billion has been allocated to the national disaster management agency (Nadma) to deal with the ongoing floods and provide aid to victims. Anwar furthermore assured that the government will prepare additional resources if required to help out with the flood issues.
4. Additional aid of RM200 to small rubber farmers
On top of the RM600 assistance provided to small rubber farmers during November and December, Anwar announced that the government will distribute an additional aid of RM200 in January. This is to help ensure the welfare of the local farmers affected by the ongoing monsoon season.
5. BKM payout will be pushed forward to January 2023
The first payout for Bantuan Keluarga Malaysia (BKM) is now pushed forward from March 2023 to January 2023.
Moreover, Anwar assured that the government would do everything it can to ease the people’s burdens caused by the increasing price of goods. The full Budget 2023 is expected to be tabled in next year’s February.
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