IMPROVE LIVES: NGOs hope government will spend to raise the standard of living and purchasing power
They said the budget must improve people’s welfare, provide more affordable basic necessities, help uplift the standard of living and enhance purchasing power.
The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) president Datuk Marimuthu Nadason said he hoped allocations for each sector would be based on its needs.
Marimuthu said based on a survey carried out by Fomca recently, vulnerable sectors which needed attention and improvement were transport, education, health and agriculture.
He said apart from rising cost of living, food and basic needs, citizens should be able to live comfortably and in a conducive environment.
“For instance, even though the transportation sector was given continuous attention, the concentration was only in the Klang Valley,” said Marimuthu, who also asked for public transport in other states to be given attention.
Marimuthu said the government should also consider increasing its allocation for the education sector as it was an investment.
“Tertiary education and vocational studies should also be looked into, as it contributes to the economic growth once students venture out into the working environment.”
He also called for better healthcare.
He said the current gross domestic product did not meet the World Health Organisation’s standard of 4.5 per cent.
“Though there are more hospitals and healthcare facilities now compared with five years ago, the cost is still a burden to those in the low-income bracket.”
Penang Society of Disabled Persons president Teh Lay Kuan hoped the 2013 Budget would be beneficial to the disabled community.
Teh said the current allowance rate should be reviewed to fit today’s lifestyle.
Teh hoped that the government would make room in the budget for more schools to be made disabled-friendly.
Women’s Aid Organisation executive director Ivy Josiah hoped for a budget that could help combat violence against women.
“It should be a budget which can be utilised by the Welfare Department, police, health and education agencies.”
The Malaysian Youth Council wanted the government to look into the welfare of the poor and youths.
Its secretary-general Mohd Zaidi Aziz said the government should open up more business opportunities for youths.
He said youths needed incentives to give them a head start.
A draft copy of the budget is expected to be tabled at the cabinet today.