THE government has allocated RM10 million for technical and vocational education and training and the Peka (Your Second Chance) initiative to reskill ex-convicts next year via programmes certified by the Construction Industry Development Board.

He said this was based on the success of the Prisons Department’s programmes in helping ex-convicts gain employment.

“The government will also table a proposal to amend the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983 to enable addicts to undergo treatment and rehabilitation without being sent to prison,” he said when tabling Budget 2024 in parliament today.

Anwar, who is also finance minister, said Malaysia cannot escape the effects of regional humanitarian crises.

“Most refugees and asylum seekers in Malaysia are from Myanmar, and were oppressed in their country of origin.

“The government will consider giving them controlled access to basic needs including jobs, services and education,” he said. – Bernama, October 13, 2023.