TO BENEFIT EMPLOYEES

he said yesterday.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the such a measure would raise the disposable income of the rakyat to between RM300 and RM1,000.

It was estimated that the move would provide the people a total disposable income of RM1.5 billion.

This would also mean that more than 261,000 people were no longer subjected to income tax.

Halim also welcomed the prime minister’s proposal for the private sector to grant 90 days of maternity leave to their employees, a policy that was currently in place in the government sector.

“It displays the government’s recognition and acknowledgement towards the women workforce.

“We hope the longer maternity leave will apply in the private sector,” said the MTUC president.

Additional tax deductions are also extended to cover employers who hire workers affected by accidents or critical illnesses but are certified by Social Security Organisation’s (Socso) Medical Board that they are still fit to work.

Moving towards Transformasi Nasional 2050 and in achieving work-life balance, Najib said the local authorities were required to ensure that childcare facilities were provided for in all new office buildings, starting with buildings here.

Halim described the budget as one that showed the government’s commitment to give back to the people.

“This budget was thoroughly thought out and drafted in line with contemporary needs. It covers all segments of the society — from entrepreneurs to workers.”

Halim also lauded the government’s initiative with Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) to provide an initial savings fund of RM200 through PNB’s unit trust scheme for every Malaysian baby born from Jan 1, 2018 to 2022, under the Amanah Dana Anak Malaysia or ADAM50.

This budget was thoroughly thought out and drafted in line with contemporary needs. It covers all segments of the society — from entrepreneurs to workers.