B40 Group

Households in the B40 group will probably see measures implemented to enable them to meet their housing needs and cope with rising cost of living. BR1M payments are expected to continue, which will boost the economy as the BR1M payments will be used to purchase products, which will stimulate the country’s economy.

M40 Group

However, the M40 group has not been given the same consideration despite contributing to the economy in terms of productivity, consumption and taxes. The M40 group faces similar challenges as the B40 group — affordable housing and eroding disposal income. The Government should assist the M40 group by introducing tax rebates and lower taxes, even more so since the collection of GST looks promising.

Affordable healthcare and education

The Government should focus on improving healthcare and education in tandem with the needs of the population.

Incentives for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

By incentivising the SME industry, it will lead to the expansion of the industry. This may also somewhat alleviate the issue of unemployed graduates.

Source: New Straits Times Online, 3 October 2016