THE government will zoom into job and income recovery in Budget 2022, as well as strengthening social protection through focused assistance, in an effort to build socio-economic resilience, Finance Minister Finance Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said. 

At a virtual session of the Budget 2022 consultation, the Finance Ministry (MOF) also highlighted the government’s focus on structural reforms, including closer collaboration with civil society organisations to achieve goals outlined in the national recovery plan and Budget 2022.

This is also in line with the government’s long-term plans in the 12th Malaysia Plan and the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030. 

“The government remains committed to helping those in need, particularly the rakyat who are still affected by the Covid-19 crisis.

“We would be keen to hear how we can reach out to segments of society in ways that are more effective, innovative and more customised to the specific needs of communities,” he said in a statement.

The dialogue session, organised by Yayasan Hasanah, the foundation of Khazanah Nasional Bhd, was held between MOF as well as representatives of civil society groups and social enterprises to outline key budget recommendations to strengthen the delivery of social assistance programmes.

In the statement, civil society groups were identified as key development partners of the government that can enable faster and more sustainable socio-economic recovery.

Yayasan Hasanah said that the past 18 months have demonstrated the critical role of grass root organisations, which have complemented government efforts. 

At the session, Yayasan Hasanah managing director Shahira Ahmed Bazari said that long-term organisational development support is needed to build stronger civil society groups. 

She added that there is an urgent need for an up-to-date and customised database to minimise the gaps in welfare programmes, and recommended structural reforms through tax support and incentives for social enterprises, civil society partners and donors. – Bernama, September 7, 2021.