BY: ERMIZI MUHAMAD
SHAH ALAM, AUG 15: Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said the most important aspect in the 2017 Budget is the initiative to boost the state’s economy.
He said it also focuses on a justified calculation of poverty index which is actively being implemented by the State Government.
“We need to debate whether poverty should be grouped based on district or race, as well as setting the poverty income line (PIL) for Selangor.
“It needs to be revised based on justified calculation and the construction of poverty index,” he said.
Mohamed Azmin said the development has encouraged the State Government to set a new PIL at a more positive level for the long-term benefit of citizens.
“The State Government has conducted research and a new PIL is set at 60% of the Selangor household income median, which is RM3,300,” he said during the 2017 Budget Roundtable Discussion on August 15.
According to him, the decision is viewed as a factor that can contribute towards sustainable economic growth and make Selangor globally competitive.
At the same time, Mohamed Azmin said the State Government’s commitment is also to ensure that citizens are adequately protected following the increase in living standards and the implementation of Good and Service Tax (GST).
“While Selangor needs to grow and provide an environment that stimulates investments, we cannot compromise on our responsibility for social justice.
“The people’s welfare that remains under pressure with increase in cost of living and the GST implementation, must be given due attention,” he said.
The discussion on the direction of the 2017 Budget was held for two days, taking into consideration views from professionals, industry representatives and policy makers in forming the state’s budget.
Among those present were representatives from Invest Selangor, Tourism Selangor, PKNS, subsidiaries of Menteri Besar Incorporated (MBI), Executive Council team, assemblymen and Members of Parliament.
