By, Fakrullah bin Zakaria
Budget 2025 was presented at 4 p.m. on 18 October 2024, by, the 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia cum Minister of Finance, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim. It was 1960 when the budget was first initiated and tabled in Malaysia. Public reaction has been mixed since the latest presentation, with professionals and the public providing their perspective. Broadly speaking, this year’s budget comprises RM 421 billion from the income tax, non-tax revenue, other direct taxes, etc. This funding is going to be used to pay salaries and debt service payments and other operational costs. This revenue is also earmarked for other development needs, including economic, social, and additional development work.
The U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) are an agenda that aims for the sustainability of earth or nature in all fields. Among other things, it contains measures to end poverty and hunger. It builds on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which are from 2000 to 2015. It shows that these goals contain as many as 17 goals. SDGs allows for countries to close the gap between the rich and poor on the economic front. Additionally, it helps towards the economic stability of the nation. How is the 2025 Budget linked to SDGs? In general, we can say that the 2025 budget could be a double-edged sword for the implementation of SDGs in the country.
-Quality of education
Part of the 2025 budget focuses on quality education and is compatible with SDGs. In line with the current status of the international trend, the budget this year also provides for the preparation of artificial intelligence (AI) courses in all universities with an allocation of RM50 million in government grants for the purpose. While it cannot be denied that artificial intelligence (AI) is being normalized in the modern era of education for providing the best teaching-quality and learning experiences.
On top of that, a sum of RM120 million was given by the government to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), which is the regulatory body for the communication and multimedia industry in Malaysia, to enhance broadband coverage to public universities, schools, military commanders, and MARA institutions.
In pursuit of the right to education for all people, which includes and covers differences, the government has provided RM4 billion in scholarships and loans and education allowances for children to continue their studies to the university level.
– Decent Work and Economic Growth.
Malaysia’s National Cyber Security Agency to expand to 100 employees. To that end, the government set aside an additional RM10 million for cyber security to assist the national cybersecurity directive. It may allow graduates with cyber-related degrees to pursue their interests further in a more work-oriented setting.
Furthermore, the government does not forget about private-sector development, investing RM 78 billion to create 900,000 jobs by 2030. Furthermore, this investment will boost the economy by increasing purchasing power as new employment is created in the surrounding areas.
-Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
It was revealed this time that the Pan Borneo Highway Project, located in Sabah and Sarawak, is projected to be finished in November of this year at a total cost of RM25.1 billion. This is a testament to the strong commitment of the government to providing quality roads for the people of Sarawak and Sabah. Also, the national budget for next year will allocate out RM635 million for infrastructure upgrades, replacing obsolete equipment, and expanding Internet access across all public universities.
The presentation session also includes a convergence of the content of the budget and SDGs of Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, with the provision of RM 100 million for refurbishment of the canteen and musolla. This is a very important development in terms of the comfort of the students and teachers as well as a productive environment for all.
On the broadband facilities, the Prime Minister mentioned the implementation of the Fixed Line Broadband Infrastructure Connectivity Program for Rural Schools (Program Ketersambungan Infrastruktur Jalur Lebar Talian Tetap) with a provision of RM100 million.
-Reduced Inequality
As we all know, Sabah and Sarawak are frequently criticized by the federal government, but this year’s budget implements the 9th SDG, Reduced Inequality, with the two eastern Malaysian states receiving the most funding of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion, respectively.
In a news conference following the budget announcement, Deputy Prime Minister II, Dato’ Sri Fadillah Yusof stated, “One that was announced earlier, aid to those in need, salary increases, and so on, were all announced earlier.”
“So, we also focus on fiscal responsibility and good governance and for us to improve efficiency, especially public services. This is vital for us to witness so that we may continue to honor our country. In my setting, I am responsible for the affairs of Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.
“I thank the Prime Minister for the announcement of development allocations for Sabah and Sarawak amounting to RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion,” he told reporters.
Furthermore, in this session, the government wants to boost the rate of special grants for Sarawak and Sabah once more to RM600 million.
The Indian community’s business sector will benefit from the funding of RM130 million, which will be used to conduct various programs like business financing.
Here I include some suggestions for improvements in the 2025 budget in order to meet the demands of SDGs:
-No Poverty
The government needs to change the way it identifies people who are eligible to receive aid from the government that aims to ease their burden. This time the method needs to be based on the concept of artificial intelligence and big data collection.
In addition, the government can provide start-up capital support for citizens with B40 status. This assistance must be up-to-date by channeling it to the digital business sector that promises valuable returns. In addition, the small business and agriculture sectors must also be given focus.
-Zero Hunger
The Urban Agriculture Program requires government support in the form of grants and training for urban inhabitants. This program is critical for boosting the country’s ability to create its own food without relying on foreign food producers.
In eradicating the problem of malnutrition among children, the government can expand subsidies to daily basic food items and highly nutritious food products.
Good health and well-being
The focus should be given to the residents of rural areas to enjoy health facilities. Therefore, the government needs to improve the existing facilities by changing more modern methods, namely the construction of mobile clinics and the empowerment of telehealth technology. This technology provides many facilities to two parties, namely nurses and patients, where remote treatment is possible.
Recently, we have been frequently astonished by incidences of coastal health issues in the local community. The government must address this issue by implementing a comprehensive mental health program that includes a dedicated counseling service center in each district or village to raise awareness about mental health issues.
-Quality Eduacation
To ensure that every citizen has access to a high-quality education, rural communities should be emphasized in the creation of technology-driven learning programs. As a suggestion, the government should at the very least give them modest devices like tablets. Furthermore, using digital gadgets requires equipment and internet bandwidth. As a result, the government must expand high-speed internet connectivity throughout all educational institutions.
Finally, this budget has a significant impact on the execution of SDGs. However, other parts require improvement, such as focusing on rural populations in order to make these SDGs a reality. As a result, the government should grant some additional funding for the group’s empowerment.***
