Govt to announce National Recovery Plan continuation, fine-tune economic recovery measures during 12MP, Budget 2022 tabling
The government will announce the continuation of the National Recovery Plan (PPN) and fine-tune other economic recovery measures during the tabling of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) and Budget 2022. Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the 12MP is expected to be tabled in Dewan Rakyat on Sept 20, followed by Budget 2022 on Oct 29. Budget 2022 will focus on three key areas, namely the agenda to drive economic recovery, rebuilding country’s resilience and catalysing reforms — or Recovery, Resilience and Reform. “Towards this end, special focus will be given on efforts to revive the affected sectors, such as tourism, improve the capability of the public healthcare system as well as the social protection scope, and boost the digital economy to strengthen the nation’s competitiveness in facing the new normal globally,” he said. The government, via the Ministry of Finance (MoF), will for the first time issue a pre-Budget 2022 statement, including public consultation document on the focus of policies in August 2021, in line with efforts to increase the transparency process as well as public involvement in annual budget preparation. Muhyiddin said for all the stimulus packages, part of it had been and will be funded by utilising the Covid-19 Fund (KWC-19). (The Edge)
Govt to spend RM1.2b to extend contracts for 14,000 medical, dental officers, pharmacists
The government has agreed to extend the contracts of about 14,000 medical doctors, dentists and pharmacists for a period of two years which will involve a financial implication of RM1.2 billion, said Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. This is a follow-up to the government’s decision for contract-appointed medical officers, dental officers and pharmacists to be offered contractual appointments for a period of two years after completing the compulsory service period to ensure continuity of service and preparation for specialist studies. Tengku Zafrul said the government has also agreed to extend the appointment on a contract basis for a maximum period of four years, medical officers and dental officers who are accepted to pursue specialist studies during the first two-year contract period. Yesterday, hundreds of junior doctors and medical officers in public hospitals in several hospitals nationwide staged a walkout to express dissatisfaction with the government’s recent announcement of improved benefits and contract extensions. (The Edge)
PM: Electronic land administration system e-Land to be adopted by other states
The e-Land system implemented through a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement will be expanded to other states after it was proven successful in increasing the quality and efficiency of land administration in Kuala Lumpur. Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the system would be expanded to the Federal Territories of Putrajaya and Labuan, as well as Selangor, Terengganu, Pahang, Johor, Kedah, Perlis and Kelantan as it is expected to be fully developed and adopted by 2024 at the latest. The e-Land System is an initiative that involves a collaboration between the federal government, state governments and private companies, aimed at standardising land administration in the states based on applicable legislation, reducing bureaucracy and increasing transparency and integrity in land administration. (Malay Mail)
Government looking at opening up construction supply chain soon with stricter SOPs
The government is mulling over opening up the construction sector supply chain with stricter SOPs soon, said Real Estate & Housing Developers’ Association (REHDA) Malaysia president Datuk Soam Heng Choon. He said REHDA and Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) are in talks with the government to refine the SOPs and conditions to allow the entire construction and property sector supply chain back to business. Although construction has been put under the essential sector during the MCO 3.0 starting June 1, 2021, Soam said only less than 10% of construction sites nationwide are allowed to operate, and with the supply chain remaining closed, the construction sector can’t fully resume operations. Besides running short of building material supply, developers are also facing cash flow and sales are shrinking due to the lockdown. (The Edge)
Report to BNM if banks refuse moratorium, says FOMCA
The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) president Datuk Dr Marimuthu Nadason urged consumers to lodge a report to Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) if commercial banks refuse to provide a moratorium. In a virtual meeting with FOMCA, BNM shared initiatives and advised consumers who are burdened by the bank loans due to the pandemic to contact the respective banks for the moratorium. Consumers are advised to contact their respective insurance companies or agents for further information with regards to moratorium and loan assistance. FOMCA also advised consumers who are facing financial difficulties and are unable to manage their debts, especially those with multiple loans such as housing and car loans, to contact Credit Counselling and Debt Management (AKPK) to obtain suitable repayment assistance and free financial advice. Consumers can reach out to BNM via BNMTELELINK at 1-300-88-5465. BNM also informed that insurance companies are offering a three months moratorium. (The Malaysian Reserve)
