MINISTERS are lauding the Malaysia Madani Budget 2024, saying it supports implementation of various initiatives.  

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu said the 14.4% increase to RM6.17 billion from RM5.39 billion allocated to his ministry in Budget 2023 would help it boost the agrofood sector, sustain agricultural activities, and strengthen existing infrastructure. 

The allocation would also assist development of a value-added holistic network in the agrofood sector and ensure the welfare of farmers, fishermen, and paddy planters.  

Defence Minister Mohamad Hasan said the allocation of RM19.7 billion for his ministry would increase the Malaysian Armed Forces’ (MAF) commitment in defending the country’s sovereignty. 

In a Facebook post, he said the Ministry of Defence and MAF would ensure the allocation was used transparently, prudently, and with integrity. 

Earlier, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government would begin the process of acquiring new assets to strengthen national defence readiness, including the acquisition of 12 new helicopters for the Royal Malaysian Air Force. 

Meanwhile, National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang said his ministry was committed to making Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT) a “progressive community mobiliser”. 

“The focus is on eight aspects that need to be implemented and strengthened in the community, namely community safety, lifelong education, economy and livelihood, creativity, environment, leadership, community well-being as well as heritage and culture,” he said in a statement. 

The National Unity Ministry was allocated RM635.82 million, including RM20 million to strengthen KRT’s role in serving the people and disseminating information. 

Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry (NRECC) Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad appreciated the government’s concern in protecting more areas and endangered wildlife through the allocation of RM200 million for the Ecological Fiscal Transfer for Biodiversity Conservation. 

He said the NRECC also welcomed the federal government’s desire to pioneer the issuance of biodiversity sukuk of up to RM1 billion to generate forest carbon credits via joint ventures with state governments. 

Nik Nazmi said the ministry supported the government’s pledge to resolve the issue of clean water supply – especially in Kelantan, Sabah, and Labuan – with an allocation of RM1.1 billion. 

“This solution includes the state of Kelantan, namely the Machang Water Treatment Plant Phase 1 construction project with a capacity of 250 million litres per day, the replacement of asbestos cement pipes to reduce the rate of non-revenue water, as well as the disruption of water supply due to leaking pipes,” he said. 

The Higher Education Ministry announced that it would utilise the allocation of more than RM16.33 billion to continue its Madani Economic Agenda. 

It said the overall increase in allocations by 6.8% reflected the ministry’s important role as catalyst for the “Madani Economy: Empowering the People” framework through higher education. 

“KPT will continue to commit to implementing various initiatives and programmes to support the aspirations of Budget 2024: Economic Reform, Empowering People,” the ministry said in a statement. 

Anwar had announced an allocation of RM250 million to replace and expand Wi-Fi access in all public universities as well as RM20 million for the establishment of the country’s first artificial intelligence education centre. – Bernama, October 14, 2023.