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Showing posts with label Taxation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Taxation. Show all posts

Saturday, October 14, 2023

Budget 2024: SST increased to 8%, capital gains tax at 10% and luxury goods tax introduced

 


KUALA LUMPUR: A number of taxation reform measures will be implemented next year to expand the country's revenue base and at the same time not burden the majority of the people.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the tax collected by the government is one of the lowest in Asean at 11.8 per cent of gross domestic product compared to Singapore (12.6 per cent) and Thailand (16.4 per cent).

ALSO READ: Budget 2024: Five shelved LRT3 stations back on track, Penang LRT planned

Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said the government plans to increase the service tax rate to 8.0 per cent instead of 6.0 per cent and this does not include services such as food and beverages, and telecommunications.

"The government will also expand the scope of taxable services to include logistic services, brokerage, underwriting and karaoke," he said when presenting Budget 2024 in the Dewan Rakyat today.

ALSO READ: Budget 2024: Up to 15% discount for PTPTN repayments

Anwar said the government will enforce the implementation of capital gains tax for the disposal of unlisted shares by local companies based on the net profit at a rate of 10 per cent from March 1, 2024.

The government is also considering the exemption of capital gains tax on the disposal of shares related to certain activities such as approved initial public offering (IPO), internal restructuring and venture capital companies subject to specified conditions.

Anwar said the government will enact new legislation to tax certain luxury goods such as jewellery and watches based on the threshold value of the goods. - Bernama


Friday, October 7, 2022

Malaysian Budget 2023 RM372.3bil from last year’s RM332.1bil

    


 

Tengku Zafrul unveils RM372.3bil budget

 Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz announced on Friday (Oct 7) that RM372.3 billion will be set aside for Budget 2023 versus last year’s RM332.1 billion allocated in the previous budget.


 

In tabling Budget 2023, Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the government has allocated RM15.bil for the Higher Education Ministry and RM6.7bil for various Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) activities.  

Budget 2023: Income tax cut by 2% for RM50,000-RM100,000 taxable range

 The personal taxation rate will be reduced by 2% on taxable income ranging from RM50,000 to RM100,000 for domiciled individuals.

In tabling Budget 2023 in Parliament on Friday (Oct 7), Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said for the taxable income range RM50,001 to RM70,000, the rate will be reduced from 13% to 11%.


 [LIVE] Tabling of 2023 Budget in Parliament

[LIVE] Special programme on 2023 Budget with former finance minister II Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli.

What's in the RM372.3bil Budget 2023 - FMT


PETALING JAYA: Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz has tabled Budget 2023, announcing an allocation of RM372.3 billion. This represents a RM40.2 billion increase compared to the RM332.1 billion allocated for 2022.

Around RM272.3 billion has been allocated for operational expenditure and RM95 billion for development. -Advertisement-

Here are the highlights of Budget 2023:

Education

RM55.6 billion allocated for education, the biggest in the budget for a ministry.

RM825 million in early school aid for students, with students receiving RM150 regardless of their parents’ incomes.

RM777 million for supplementary food programme (RMT), benefiting 800,000 students and 7,300 canteen operators.

RM2.3 billion to ensure students have a conducive and safe learning environment.

RM1.1 billion to repair and maintain all schools, including vernacular and religious schools.

RM430 million to construct five new schools in Sabah, Sarawak, Terengganu, Cyberjaya and Selangor.

RM20 million to improve facilities in special needs schools.

RM188 million to set up 10 Kemas daycare centres.

Development

RM1.5 billion for sustainable development.

RM562 million to implement the Sabo dam project.

RM510 million to improve road infrastructure to Pengerang.

Pan Borneo Highway to be completed by 2024.

RM11.4 billion for maintenance and repair of existing government buildings.

RM5.2 billion for maintenance of state roads.

RM150 million for the development of border towns near Thailand and Kalimantan.

RM3.7 billion for small and medium projects across the nation.

RM500 million on G1-G4 infrastructure projects.

Social Welfare

In total, Putrajaya will spend RM10 billion in welfare and Bantuan Keluarga Malaysia (BKM) aid.

RM2.5 billion in welfare aid benefiting 450,000 households.

RM2,500 in BKM aid for households earning less than RM2,500 monthly.

Up to RM1,250 BKM aid for singles and RM3,000 for single parents.

One-off RM500 incentive for female BKM recipients who give birth in 2023.

RM7.8 billion for BKM which will benefit 8.7 million people.

RM1 billion in welfare aid for the elderly.

RM1.2 billion to support disabled people to be financially independent.

RM10 million in e-hailing vouchers for the disabled.

RM8 million for social support centres.

RM734 million for MySalam programme. This will benefit 1.5 million people from the B40 group.

Voluntary Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contributions raised from RM60,000 to RM100,000 a year.

RM21 million in grants for operators of welfare homes.

Limits for Amanah Saham Bumiputera (ASB) and ASB2 savings to increase to RM300,000.

Government to provide incentives to establish more daycare centres for the disabled.

RM120 million for Kasih Suri Keluarga Malaysia programme, benefiting 200,000 housewives.

Security

RM431 million to procure new assets for the police.

RM42 million to upgrade police quarters.

RM118 million for the maintenance of armed forces homes.

RM28 million to upgrade prison staff quarters.

RM73 million to enhance cybersecurity.

The government will set up a national scam response centre.

Health

Total of RM36.1 billion allocated for the health ministry.

RM11 million for subsidies for mammograms and cervical cancer screening.

RM20 million to promote Malaysia as a medical tourism destination.

RM4.9 billion for public healthcare.

RM420 million to repair dilapidated hospitals and clinics.

RM1.8 billion to purchase new equipment for hospitals and clinics.

The government to set up a mental health centre of excellence.

RM10 million to purchase 3D printing machines for dental health services.

Allocations to treat rare diseases increased to RM25 million.

RM80 million for Socso health screening programme.

RM15 million for Agenda Nasional Malaysia Sihat programme to encourage healthier lifestyles.

RM80 million for the PEKA B40 programme.

Import duty and sales tax exemptions for nicotine replacement therapy products.

Economy

RM235 million to support the development of female entrepreneurs.

RM50 million for young trader scheme under Bank Simpanan Nasional.

2% reduction in income tax of micro SME operators.

One-off RM1 billion grant to all registered MSMEs and taxi drivers. To benefit one million recipients.

RM45 billion Semarak Niaga funds for entrepreneurs.

RM10 billion in funds from Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to automate and digitise SMEs.

RM200 million to boost income and productivity of smallholders.

GLCs and GLICs to invest up to RM50 billion in 2023.

Government-linked companies (GLCs) and government-linked investment companies (GLICs) to invest RM50 billion in 2023, including RM45 billion in direct domestic investments.

The government will provide incentives for multinational companies to establish operations in Malaysia.

RM100 million to support development of local technology companies.

RM10 million in matching grants allocated to help SMEs.

RM800 million to provide RM100 e-wallet credit for 8 million people in the M40.

Petronas will contribute RM2 billion to the National Trust Fund (KWAN).

RM1.4 billion to boost connectivity in the five main economic corridors.

Civil service

RM100 subsidy for civil servants for insurance coverage.

RM1.5 billion for RM100 increment for all civil servants between Grade 11 to Grade 56.

RM1.3 billion for one-off RM700 special aid for 1.3 million civil servants under Grade 56.

RM350 one-off aid for one million retired civil servants.

Aidilfitri aid for civil servants increased to RM600.

Special leave for over 500,000 teachers.

Higher education

RM15.1 billion allocated for the higher education ministry.

RM3.8 billion for scholarships and education loans.

RM6.6 billion for Bumiputera education loans.

RM6.7 billion for TVET training and education.

RM180 million to fund TVET training, benefitting 13,000 trainees.

Up to 20% discounts for PTPTN repayments from Nov 1 to April 30, 2023.

Environment

RM15 billion for flood mitigation initiatives.

RM2 billion to build retention ponds.

RM500 million to widen rivers in Kelantan.

RM3 billion for Green Technology Financing Scheme (GTFS).

RM150 million from Khazanah Nasional Berhad to support development of green projects.

RM165 million for Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) to set up solar rooftops and EV charging stations.

Carbon tax to be introduced.

100 million trees to be planted by 2025.

The government will step up forest restoration projects.

RM100 million for ecological fiscal transfer (EFT).

RM36 million to support conservation of elephants and other endangered species.

RM216 million to clean rivers nationwide.

Job creation and community support

The MyStep programme will provide 50,000 jobs including 15,000 in the public sector and 35,000 in government-linked companies (GLCs). RM750 million to upskill 800,000 workers.

RM100 million for Mitra to develop entrepreneurs. Socso to provide incentives for employers to hire the disabled, Orang Asli, ex-convicts and women returning to work. The incentive worth up to RM750 a month will be given for three months per employee.

Socso will provide incentives for employers to hire jobless youths.

RM50 million to boost Bumiputera commercial property ownership.

RM20 million to set up new urban transformation centres (UTC).

RM11 million on mobile bank initiatives.

RM63 million for development of human capital.

RM50 million to support development of female contractors.

RM100 million for Khazanah’s Yayasan Hasanah to conduct various community initiatives.

Sabah and Sarawak

Total RM11.7 billion allocated for Sabah and Sarawak.

RM1.2 billion to improve the infrastructure in dilapidated schools in Sabah and Sarawak.

RM209 million to subsidise air travel to rural areas in Sabah and Sarawak.

RM1.5 billion to improve transport infrastructure in Sabah and Sarawak.

RM100 million to improve the water supply system in Sarawak.

RM250 million for expansion of the Sapangar Bay Container Port (SBCP).

Taxes

Personal income tax reduced by 2% for those earning between RM50,001 to RM100,000.

This will benefit over one million people in the M40.

Income tax exemptions of up to RM3,000 for Tadika and daycare fees.

Tax incentives to attract investors.

Government reiterates implementation of Tax Identification Number to widen tax base.

Tax incentives for local pharmaceutical companies will be extended.

Tax incentives and RM50 million to support development of aerospace components.

The government will provide special incentives for investors in the chemical and petrol chemical industry.

Import duties and sales tax exemptions for the purchase of film equipment.

Tax incentives for NGOs involved in sports at the grassroots level.

Tax incentives for green initiatives extended to Dec 31, 2025.

100% income tax exemption for manufacturers of EV charging parts.

Additional tax deductions for employers who hire former residents of juvenile institutions.

Government to introduce qualified domestic minimum top-up tax.

Tourism

RM200 million to promote tourism recovery.

RM90 million in grants to promote tourism activities.

New chartered flights to and from East Asia and the Middle East.

RM10 million to promote eco-tourism.

RM25 million in incentives to promote domestic tourism.

RM500 million in tourism financing from BNM.

RM10 million for the ThinkCity initiative in Kuala Lumpur.

Arts and Culture

RM50 million to support the local film industry.

RM102 million to support local artists.

RM5 million to strengthen national language programmes.

RM10 million to support preservation of local languages and cultures.

Commodities

RM200 million to subsidise the logistic cost for the distribution of essential goods.

The government will hold Keluarga Malaysia sales offering essential items at more affordable prices.

The government will continue measures to combat the illicit cigarette trade.

RM20 million in matching grants to support development of local products.

RM10 million to support the made in Malaysia campaign.

RM92 million for development of the halal industry.

Approved permit fees for import of EVs extended to Dec 31 next year.

RM256 million in monsoon aid for rubber smallholders.

Agriculture

RM1.8 billion in subsidies for farmers and fishermen.

RM228 million in aid for padi farmers. This will benefit 240,000 people.

The government will introduce an agriculture protection scheme.

RM1 billion to fund agrofood programmes.

RM56 million to support sustainable farming.

RM315 million for rubber planting programmes.

RM40 million to encourage smallholders to diversify their crops.

RM70 million to support the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification programme.

The government will support automation initiatives in the plantation sector.

Defence

RM17.4 billion for the defence ministry, including RM4 billion for the purchase of new military assets.

RM485 million for the maintenance of all MMEA ships and boats.

RM330 million for EV infrastructure.

Transport

RM180 million to improve bus services in Melaka, Kedah, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.

Continuation of My50 RapidKL monthly pass to benefit 180,000 users.

RM16.5 billion for major transport infrastructure projects.

RM50.2 billion for the MRT3 project.

RM1 billion for the maritime and logistics industry.

Housing

Stamp duty discounts of up to 75% for houses worth between RM500,000 to RM1 million.

RM10 stamp duty for properties transferred between family members.

RM367 million to build people’s housing projects (PPRs), to benefit 12,400 new residents.

RM3 billion for housing credit guarantees.

RM40 electric bill subsidy to be extended.

Digital connectivity

Phase 2 of the Jendela project to involve RM8 billion in investments, including from industry players.

RM700 million allocated for Jendela to expand digital connectivity in 47 industrial areas and 3,700 schools.

Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) to spend RM1.3 billion in infrastructure development to widen 5G internet coverage nationwide.

Youth and sports

RM305 million in loans for youths to start businesses.

The government will introduce a special internet package for youths at RM30 for three months.

RM400 million to continue the e-Pemula scheme, which will benefit two million youths aged 18 to 20.

The government will bear the costs of e-hailing, taxi, and motorcycle licences for youths.

RM145 million to improve sporting infrastructure nationwide.

RM154 million to develop the local sporting ecosystem.

RM20 million to develop a drag race circuit.

RM13 million to develop e-sports.

RM12 million to support disabled athletes.

Rural communities

RM305 million for the Orang Asli community.

RM2.6 billion for Felda, Felcra and Risda.

RM472 million to improve rural electricity infrastructure.

RM54 million to build 85 new bridges in rural areas.

Disaster management

Additional RM400 million in allocation for the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) to prepare for year-end floods.

RM100 million allocated for the national disaster relief fund.

RM20 million in grants for community associations to assist in natural disasters.

Others

RM1.5 billion for Islamic development.

RM150 million for the maintenance and repairs for educational facilities under Jakim.

RM364 million for research and development for higher education as well as science, technology and innovation ministry.

RM30 million to improve I-Saraan programme that will benefit 100,000 people.

All self-employed people will be required to contribute to Socso from next year onwards.

The government will introduce e-invoice similar to initiatives in France and Brazil.

The government will table a consumer credit bill in the second quarter of 2023.

Related:

Highlights of Budget 2023 | The Edge Markets

 

Budget 2023 highlights - The Malaysian Reserve

 

Comments:

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 https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2022/10/07/too-many-goodies-not-enough-strategy-says-think-tank/

 

Contractors, tycoons celebrating record budget for development, says MP

 

 

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Sunday, October 13, 2019

Malaysia's Tax Budget 2020 highlights

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KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 11): The following are the highlights of Budget 2020:

Malaysian economy


Government

  • The Bureau of Public Complaints will be replaced by the Malaysian Ombudsman to enhance govt's governance and delivery systems
  • Govt to move forward with the formation of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) to increase public confidence and trust in police.
  • Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) offers to guarantee additional tranche of Samurai bonds with lower interest rate of less than 0.5% compared with 0.63% previously. The federal government plans to issue the bonds early next year. Issuance size to be determined after further discussion with JBIC.
  • Home Ministry to receive RM16.9 billion boost for 2020.
  • Allocation for Islamic affairs under PM's Dept increased to RM1.3 billion from 1.2 billion in 2019
  • Govt has set up National Committee on Investments (NCI), chaired by Minister of Finance and Minister of International Trade and Industry
  • Allocation for Defence Ministry raised from RM13.9 billion in 2019 to RM15.6 billion in 2020

1MDB


Corporate, finance and fintech

  • Govt will continue to ensure at least 30% of tenders of each ministry are reserved for only Bumiputera contractors
  • 50% matching grant of up to RM5,000 to increase the digitalisation of operations for Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SME)
  • RM50m allocation proposed to encourage SMEs to engage in more export promotion activities
  • Govt to provide extra RM50m for SC's My Co-Investment Fund (MyCIF) to assist SMEs that have difficulties in getting financing
  • Govt to merge Bank Pembangunan Malaysia, Danajamin Nasional, SME Bank and EXIM Bank Malaysia to restructure development financial institutions (DFI)
  • Govt allocates RM1 billion in investment incentives to attract Fortune Fortune 500 companies and global unicorns
  • Govt to offer special investment incentive package worth RM1b per year for five years to local companies capable of penetrating overseas market
  • Additional RM10m allocation to be set aside for MITI to increase monitoring to ensure approved investments are realised
  • Government evaluating Carey Island development feasibility for next growth phase
  • Govt intends to develop a 100-acre logistics hub at Special Border Economic Zone at Kota Perdana in Bukit Kayu Hitam to strengthen trade relations with Thailand
  • National Fiberisation & Connectivity Plan will adopt public-private partnership approach involving total investment of RM21.6b
  • RM20m allocation for Cradle Fund to train and offer grants to high-impact technology entrepreneurs
  • Licensing for digital banks to be opened for public consultation by year end. A framework is expected to be released in 1H2020
  • Digital bank licensing framework will be finalised by Bank Negara and open for application in the first half of 2020
  • Govt to allocate additional RM50 million to Malaysia Co-Investment Fund (MyCIF) to benefit equity crowdfunding platforms and peer-to-peer (P2P) financing platforms.
  • Ceiling on Market Development Grant (MDG) by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) raised to RM300,000. Cap on entry to export exhibitions also raised to RM25,000. RM50 million allocated to encourage SMEs to join promotional activities.

Entrepreneur

  • RM445m Bumiputera entrepreneur development grant for access to financing, provision of business premises, entrepreneurship training
  • Govt to provide loans worth RM100m under Small Industries Entrepreneurs Financing Scheme for Chinese community
  • Govt to provide RM20m in loans under entrepreneur development scheme for Indian community Govt to allocate RM500m as guaranteed facility for women entrepreneurs via Syarikat Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan Bhd (SJPP)
  • Skim Jaminan Pinjaman Perniagaan will be enhanced, with the government guarantee raised to 80% of the loan amount while the guarantee fee is reduced to 0.75%. A RM500 million guarantee facility has been set aside especially for women entrepreneurs.
  • SME Bank will introduce two new funds: a RM200m fund specially for women entrepreneurs, and a RM300m fund to support SMEs with potential to become regional champs
  • Ministry of Entrepreneur Development to give RM10 million for advisory services and awareness for the halal industry
  • Tax incentives for venture capital and angel investors will be extended until 2023
  • Govt jobs worth RM1.3b dedicated for Bumiputera contractors

Internet and tech

  • Mandatory Standard on Access Pricing (MSAP) has successfully reduced broadband prices by 49% and increased speeds by three times
  • RM250m will be set aside by MCMC to prepare broadband access via satellite technology to increase connectivity in rural Malaysia, especially Sabah and Sarawak
  • Matching grant fund of RM25m will be set aside to encourage more pioneer digital projects that benefit fibre optic infrastructure and 5G
  • RM20m allocated to MDEC to groom local champions in producing digital content
  • RM50 million grant to develop 5G ecosystem to prepare for  5G transformation worldwide
  • Smart automation matching grant (up to RM2m) for 1,000 local manufacturers and 1,000 services companies to automate business processes
  • To boost use of e-wallets, govt to offer one-time RM30 digital stimulus to qualified Malaysians aged 18 and above with annual income less than RM100,000
  • 14 one-stop digital improvement centres to be set up in every state to faciltiate access to financing, development of business capacity
  • RM10m to be set aside for MDEC to train micro-digital entrepreneurs and technology experts to leverage e-market places, social media platforms
  • Digital Social Responsibility (DSR) is commitment from business sector to enhance workforce with digital skills needed by society. Contributions from the private sector to the DSR will be given tax
  • R&D in public sector to be intensified with RM524 million allocation to ministries, public agencies exemptions.
  • Government to up e-sports allocation to RM20m due to high potential
  • Green Investment Tax Allowance (GITA) and Green Investment Tax Exemptions (GITE) extended to 2023 in line with sustainable development

Palm oil

  • Govt has launched palm oil replanting loan fund worth RM550m for smallholders
  • Govt to implement B20 biodiesel for the transport sector by end-2020. This is expected to increase palm oil demand by 500,000 tonnes per annum.

Rubber

  • RM200m set aside for 'Bantuan Musim Tengkujuh' to eligible rubber smallholders under RISDA, Lembaga Industri Getah Sabah
  • RM100 million allocated for Rubber Production Incentive in 2020 to enhance income of smallholders faced with low rubber prices

Agriculture
  • Allocation for Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry increased to RM4.9 billion, including RM150 million to support plant integration programmes such as for chilli, pineapple, coconut, watermelon and bamboo.
  • RM855 million allocation under Federal Government Padi Fertilizer Scheme to boost padi yield

Civil servants
  • Civil servants’ emoluments to exceed RM82 billion
  • Civil servant pension will cost RM27.1 billion
  • Civil servants' cost of living allowance or COLA to be raised by RM50 a month starting 2020 for support group, with an additional RM350 million a year
  • Civil servants will be allowed early redemption of accumulated leaves (gantian cuti rehat) for up to 75 days as replacement pay for those who have served at least 15 years
  • Govt announces RM500 special payment for civil servants Grade 56 and below. Govt retirees to get special payment of RM250, also extended to non-pensionable veterans
  • Govt to allocate RM330 million to the Property and Land Management Division under the Prime Ministers Department to repair and maintain the public service quarters. Meanwhile, RM150 million and RM250 million is set aside to repair and refurbish Malaysian Armed Forces family housing units (RKAT) and PDRM quarters.
  • Fire fighters to get a special allowance of RM200 a month, which will benefit 14,400 personnel under the Fire and Rescue Dept, amounting to RM35 mil.

Highway and tolls

  • The Cabinet has approved the proposed offer to acquire four highways in the Klang Valleyy – Shah Alam Expressway (KESAS), Damansara-Puchong Expressway (LDP), Sprint Expressway (SPRINT) and SMART Tunnel (SMART) to be funded via Government-guaranteed borrowings.
  • Citizens to enjoy average 18% discount on all PLUS highways
  • Effective Jan 1, 2020, toll rates for cars at the Second Penang Bridge will be reduced from RM8.50 to RM7.00.

Public transport
  • RM450 million proposed to acquire up to 500 electric buses for public transport in selected cities nationwide
  • Govt intends to proceed with the Rapid Transit System (RTS) between Johor Bahru and Singapore.
  • It will also invest RM85 million beginning 2020 to ease congestion at the Causeway and 2nd Link by enhancing vehicle and traffic flow through the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex.

Fuel subsidy

  • Individuals owning not more than two cars and two motorcycles can get fuel subsidy for one vehicle. The qualifying criteria are:

    • A passenger car with 1,600cc engine capacity and below, or
    • Any car above 1,600cc must be more than 10 years old, or
    • A qualified motorcycle must be 150cc and below, or
    • Any motorcycles above 150cc must be more than 7 years old.

  • From January 2020, the targeted fuel subsidy or PSP will be launched in Peninsular Malaysia with two eligible categories as follows:

    • For eligible recipients of the BSH, the petrol subsidy receivable will be RM30 per month for car owners and RM12 per month for motorcycle owners. This subsidy will be in the form of cash transfer, deposited into the recipient's bank account every 4 months. The first payment will be made in April 2020 for the period January to April 2020; and
    • For all other motorists who are not BSH recipients, they will receive a special Kad95 which allows them to enjoy the fuel subsidy at a discount of 30 sen per litre limited to 100 litres per month for cars or 40 litres per month for motorcycles when purchasing RON95 at the petrol station. The Kad95 will be implemented progressively during the first quarter of 2020.

Taxes

  • Govt will merge Special Commissioner of Income Tax and Customs Appeal Tribunal into the Tax Appeal Tribunal, to be operational in 2021. Through this, taxpayers unhappy with the decision of IRB director-general or the Customs D-G can appeal
  • Govt proposes that a new band for taxable income in excess of RM2 million be introduced and taxed at 30%, up 2 percentage point from the current 28%. This will affect approximately 2,000 top income earners in the country.
  • Govt has repaid GST refunds amounting to RM15.9b to more than 78,000 companies, and income tax refunds of RM13.6b to 448,000 companies and 184,000 taxpayers

Medical and Healthcare
  • To support local medical device industry, government will introduce an initiative to encourage local producers to upgrade equipment and tools used in public clinics and hospitals, based on a minimum allocation of 30%.
  • RM227m to be set aside to upgrade medical equipment, and RM95m to renovate infrastructure and medical facilities, like in Hospital Pontian
  • RM1.6 billion to build new hospitals and upgrade existing ones. The hospital includes Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Klang, Hospital Kampar, Hospital Labuan and the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, Sabah Heart Centre.
  • Govt to allocate RM60m for pneumococcal vaccination for all children
  • RM319m to build and upgrade health and dental clinics and quarters facilities; new clinics will be built in Setiu, Sg Petani, and Cameron Highlands, as well as Kudat and Tawau in Sabah, and Lon San and Sg Simunjan in Sarawak
  • Health Ministry to get RM30.6 billion allocation, compared to RM28.7 billion under Budget 2019

MySalam

  • MySalam to be expanded so that those with critical illnesses will get RM8,000 cash; those being treated in govt hospitals can also claim RM50 wage replacement a day for up to 14 days

Islamic finance
  • Islamic Economic Blueprint to be formulated to position Malaysia as centre of excellence for Islamic finance
  • Special Islamic Finance Committee to be set up to develop the Islamic finance ecosystem

FELDA

Property and housing

  • RPGT base year for asset purchase revised to Jan 1, 2013 for asset acquired before that date
  • To reduce supply overhang of condominiums and apartments amounting to RM8.3 billion in the second quarter of 2019, govt will lower the threshold on high rise property prices in urban areas for foreign ownership from RM1 million to RM600,000 in 2020.
  • Govt to extend Youth Housing Scheme administered by Bank Simpanan Nasional from Jan 1, 2020 until Dec 31, 2021. The scheme also offers a 10% loan guarantee via Cagamas to enable borrowers to get full financing and RM200 monthly instalment assistance for the first two years, limited to 10,000 home units.
  • Public Sector Home Financing Board to offer free personal accident insurance for up to two years to new government housing loan borrowers
  • To help those who can't come up with 10% deposit or get financing to buy homes, govt will collaborate with financial institutions to introduce the rent-to-own (RTO) financing scheme, where up to RM10 billion will be provided by the financial institutions, with the governnment supporting via a 30% or RM3 billion guarantee.
    • This RTO scheme is for purchase of first home up to RM500,000 property price.
    • Under this scheme, the applicant will rent the property for up to 5 years and after the first year, and the tenant will have the option to purchase the house based on the price fixed at the time the tenancy agreement is signed.

Gaming Industry

  • To curb illegal gambling, govt proposes a higher minimum mandatory penalty of RM100,000 for illegal gamblers, along with a minimum mandatory jail sentence of six months.
    • For illegal operators, a higher minimum mandatory penalty of RM1 million and a 12 month minimum mandatory jail sentence will be imposed.
  • To curb illegal gambling, govt proposes a higher minimum mandatory penalty of RM100,000 for illegal gamblers, along with a minimum mandatory jail sentence of six months.
  • Starting 2020, total number of special draws for Numbers Forecast Operator (NFO) will be reduced from 11 to 8 times a year..

Employment

  • Hiring fresh graduates: Two-year pay incentives of RM500 a month. Hiring incentive of RM300 a month.
  • Incentives to get women into the workforce:
    • Two-year pay incentive of RM500 a month
    • Hiring incentive of RM300
    • Tax exemption for women returning to work will be extended until 2023.
  • Govt revises Employment Act, including increasing maternity leave from 60 days to 90 days from 2021
  • Govt proposes to raise minimum wage in urban areas to RM1,200 a month in 2020
  • Govt to launch Malaysians @ Work initiative aimed at creating better employment opportunities for youth and women, reducing over-dependence on low-skilled foreign workers
  • Malaysians who replace foreign workers will get a monthly wage incentive of RM350/RM500 for two years, depending on the sector. Employers will get a monthly incentive of RM250 a month throughout the same period.

Tourism
  • RM25 million allocated to Malaysia Healthcare Tourism Council to strengthen Malaysia's position as the preferred destination for medical tourism in Asean for oncology, cardiology and fertility treatments.
  • Govt to contribute RM100 million towards construction of new cable car system to Penang Hill
  • RM1.1 billion allocated to Ministry of Tourism and Culture, of which RM90 million is specifically for VMY2020 promotion and programmes

Sabah and Sarawak
  • Govt plans to double special alowance for Sabah to RM53.4m and Sarawak to RM32m; this to be doubled further to 106.8m for Sabah and RM64m for Sarawak in five years
  • RM587 million allocation for rural water projects, of which RM470 million will be for Sabah and Sarawak
  • RM500 million for rural electrification benefiting more than 30,000 rural households, majority in Sabah and Sarawak

Aid and subsidies
  1. Govt to spend RM24.2 billion on subsidies and social assistance
  2. RM100 million grant proposed for Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA) of which 80% will be programme-based
  3. RM57 million provided to Orang Asli Development Department (JAKOA), in addition to RM83 million allocation for the community’s economic development, education and infrastructure.
  4. RM575 million proposed for socio-economic assistance to senior citizens benefiting 137,000 seniors whose household income is below poverty level
  5. RM25 million allocated to manage, administer and expand food bank programme
  6. Allocation for subsidies and social assistance increased to RM24.2 billion, including welfare aid such as Bantuan Sara Hidup (BSH). BSH scheme expanded to cover 1.1 million single individuals aged above 40 earning less than RM2,000 per month.

Rural development
  • RM10.9 billion allocated for rural development projects in 2020, from RM9.7 billion in 2019
  • RM738 million provided for Risda and Felcra to implement income generating programme
  • RM1 billion set aside for rural roads throughout Malaysia, primarily targeted at Sabah and Sarawak

Education and training

  • Allowance for KAFA teachers increased by RM100 a month, to benefit 33,200 existing teachers
  • RM735 million proposed for school maintenance and upgrading works
  • Government allocates RM210m to expedite digital infrastructure establishment in public buildings like schools
  • Education Ministry to receive largest allocation of  of RM64.1 billion in 2020 from RM60.2 billion in 2019
  • Allocation for TVET programmes raised from RM5.7 billion in 2019 to RM5.9 billion in 2020
  • RM1.3 billion proposed for education institutions under MARA, a further RM2 billion for student loans benefitting 50,000 students
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