‘Focus on M40 too’
KUALA LUMPUR: While the focus has always been on the lower-income (B40) groups in the federal budget, the middle-income group (M40) is also in need of attention so that it does not fall into the poverty bracket, said an academician.
Associate Professor Dr Mohamad Fazli Sabri, who is deputy dean (graduate studies and industry and community network) of Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Faculty of Human Ecology, believes that the government must focus on the M40 group.
Fazli said the government should focus on the people’s basic needs, such as food, housing, healthcare and transportation.
“It’s not new, but the issue has never been resolved, given the high cost of living. Even though the previous government had embarked on the 1Malaysia People’s Housing Project (PR1MA), it was still out of reach of the B40 and M40 groups.
“There is, however, improvement in public transportation.
“All income groups are aware of the economic conditions.
“Therefore, each B40 benefit can be extended to the M40, albeit more selectively, so that the target groups get to enjoy the benefits.”
He said the government must have a mechanism and provide an income database for each household so that those who qualified could receive government aid.
“In each household, food takes up the majority of the spending, followed by transportation and upkeep.
“The people are hopeful that there will be an increase in salaries.
“However, it will be hard to accomplish. What the government can do is reduce the prices of goods and houses,” he said.
“The government, hospitals and insurance companies must devise a mechanism that allows Malaysians, especially the B40 and M40 groups, to have health insurance.”