1 hour ago
5
ADVERTISE HERE
Chiew holding a copy of Budget 2027.Advertisement
By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 10: While the increase in FlySiswa MADANI 2027 assistance from RM400 to RM500 is a welcome step towards narrowing educational and development gaps, air travel costs must continue to receive the federal government’s attention.
Commenting on Budget 2027, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Chiew Choon Man said the higher assistance was a positive measure, but more attention must be given to ensuring that students can afford to travel home to their families.
Advertisement
“For Sarawakian students studying far from their families, in particular, air travel costs are a real financial burden that must continue to receive attention,” said the Miri MP in a statement.
He also said that allocations to upgrade dilapidated schools must translate into safe, comfortable learning facilities.
Meanwhile, on the MediAsas Plan, expected to begin next January, he stressed that its implementation must ensure premiums are genuinely affordable, coverage benefits are clearly defined, and claims procedures are straightforward, so the plan provides meaningful protection when people need it.
He also hoped that the offer of permanent positions to more than 9,000 contract doctors in 2027, together with increased post-basic training incentives for nurses and paramedics, will address Sarawak’s needs, including those of Miri Hospital and rural areas.
Touching on the rest of Budget 2027, he welcomed the federal government’s measures to ease the cost of living, strengthen healthcare protection, and expand educational opportunities, which he said reflected the needs of the people, including families in Miri and throughout Sarawak.
He welcomed the increase in allocations for Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) to RM16 billion, with STR recipients receiving up to RM150 per month in SARA assistance, which will help families meet their daily needs.
The provision of RM100 in SARA MADANI assistance twice a year to adult citizens who are not STR recipients also extends the benefits to the M40 middle-income group, he said.
“I also welcome the increase in individual tax relief from RM9,000 to RM12,000, as well as reductions in tax rates for certain chargeable income brackets.
“The expansion of tax relief for the care of parents and grandparents, education and postnatal care shows that the government is listening to the financial pressures faced by families,” he said.
He also voiced support for additional financing for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as well as efforts to address unfair competition from foreign e-commerce companies, noting that local traders must have a fair opportunity to grow their businesses and create jobs.
“Ultimately, the success of this Budget will depend on its implementation. I will continue to represent the voices of the people of Miri and monitor these measures to ensure that assistance is easily accessible, projects are implemented effectively, and the people feel the benefits,” he said. — DayakDaily
English (US) ·