KUALA LUMPUR: The government plans to leverage and expand the existing transit system, which includes railways and feeder buses for urban communities in the Budget 2025.
According to the Economic Outlook 2025 report released by the Finance Ministry today, the expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility within cities.
"By enhancing urban transit systems, the government seeks to promote sustainable urban development, reduce carbon emissions and improve the quality of life for urban residents by reducing travel time as well as improving safety and reliability.
"These efforts are part of a broader strategy to create a well-connected, sustainable and economically vibrant nation that benefits businesses and the rakyat," the report said.
According to the report, the government will also focus on enhancing inter-state mobility through projects such as the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), Central Spine Road (CSR) and the Pan Borneo Highway to boost economic activities.
In this regard, existing highways will continue to be maintained and upgraded to ensure smooth and efficient transportation, thus improving connectivity as well as facilitating trade, promoting tourism and overall economic vibrancy.
The report added that under Budget 2025, infrastructure investment focusing on innovative and cost-effective technologies will continue to be rolled out, particularly in remote areas, in line with the government’s commitment to improving rakyat-centric basic infrastructure by enhancing urban planning, road access, treated water, and electricity supply in urban and rural areas.
"Rural development allocation will continue to be provided to address development disparities and improve dilapidated infrastructure.
"The government will also provide stable and affordable internet connectivity to enable the rakyat to benefit from digital technology, thereby widening access to socioeconomic activities, ensuring that no one is left behind," it said.
In developing affordable quality housing for the rakyat, the report said that Budget 2025 will continue providing safe neighbourhoods with healthy living environments, ultimately contributing to a prosperous society.
It said that attention will also be given to ensuring inclusive housing solutions that benefit the elderly as well as marginalised and vulnerable groups, and this includes credit guarantee facilities offered for the purchase of houses built on waqf land.
"In addition, the government will continue prioritising the provision of well-integrated, sustainable, and liveable housing for the low-income group, apart from making homeownership more accessible for the young civil servants,” the report said.
As improving people’s well-being is one of the main deliverables set out under the Ekonomi MADANI framework, Budget 2025 will continue to improve the country’s social protection system, particularly to enhance the social safety net and social insurance.
According to the report, the government will continue enhancing the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR), Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) and Bantuan Awal Persekolahan (BAP) as well as expanding the Payung RAHMAH Programme, Inisiatif Pendapatan Rakyat (IPR) and Sejahtera Komuniti Madani (SejaTI MADANI) to reduce the cost of living burden and help the rakyat generate additional income.
"As Malaysia is now an ageing nation, Budget 2025 will further improve the social protection system for the elderly by enhancing healthcare services and promoting active social activities.
"The government will also facilitate senior communities to enhance lifelong learning opportunities and financial literacy. These measures aim to ensure the elderly have access to quality care, remain socially engaged and lead fulfilling lives,” it said.
In ensuring the welfare of self-employed individuals and gig workers, the government aims to expand the Self-Employed Social Security Scheme under the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) by strengthening related policies and laws. - Bernama
