WHILE he welcomes the retabled Budget 2023, a Selangor executive councillor feels that the state deserves more due to its high contribution to the country’s development.
"Selangor contributed nearly 25% of Malaysia’s gross domestic product GDP in 2021. The state deserves more in terms of allocation so it can continue boosting the country’s economy," said state local government, public transportation and new village development committee chairman Ng Sze Han.
He said this when asked to comment on Budget 2023, in particular the RM100,000 allocation for each district in Malaysia for pothole repairs of federal roads and RM5.2bil Malaysian Road Record Information System (Marris) grant for maintenance of state roads.
It was previously reported that Selangor contributed RM343.5bil to the national economy in 2021. That figure amounted to 24.8% of Malaysia’s GDP, making it the largest contributor that year.
However, Ng noted that there were initiatives under Budget 2023 aimed at addressing the economic gap between the rich and poor, such as the Luxury Goods Tax imposed on certain types of goods, such as luxury watches and fashion items.
"I believe that the rich can afford to pay this additional tax, and the money derived from this tax can be used to subsidise initiatives for the B40 and M40 groups," said the Kinrara assemblyman.
"The My50 monthly travel pass that will benefit some 180,000 users will encourage more people to use public transport, especially with the full operation of Putrajaya MRT Line Phase 2 next month."
Ng was speaking after a Pledge and Plant A Tree event at Persiaran Puchong Legenda, Puchong Legenda in Puchong on Saturday (Feb 25).
The event was a collaboration between Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ), Malaysian Institute of Planners and property developer Huges Development Sdn Bhd.
