What industry captains say...
THE Employees Provident Fund has always been at the forefront of social protection and we are concerned about the well-being of some 13.7 million Malaysians who are not covered by a formal or holistic social protection system. Therefore, we are pleased with this (1Malaysia Retirement Scheme) announcement, as it highlights the government’s commitment to the overall wellbeing of the rakyat. PERMODALAN Nasional Bhd is honoured to be given the opportunity to work with the government in an effort to promote savings and investment culture among Malaysians. The total cost of Amanah Dana Anak Malaysia, which will be implemented for five years from next year to 2022, is estimated to reach RM560 million and will benefit about 2.8 million Malaysian infants.
THE 2018 Budget is comprehensive, balanced and fiscally responsible, with the deficit narrowing further to a forecast 2.8 per cent of gross domestic product from 6.7 per cent in 2009. The budget is also able to focus on long-run competitiveness to future-proof the economy and society at large.
THIS budget continues to address the government’s objective of boosting disposable incomes for the bottom 40 per cent group to ease the cost of living pressure and support consumer spending. At the same time, we are pleased to see plenty of measures to help Malaysia and Malaysians prepare for the demands of the future.
IT is crucial to recognise that the country is competing in the global marketplace for investments with our own unique value propositions. We are delighted with the extension of the Principal Hub initiative until December 31 2020. This will continue to attract high value regional hub activities into Greater Kuala Lumpur.