Selangor has allocated a large budget for its state with RM2.53 billion for both the management and development expenditures, while this is over and above the Federal Government Budget that will also benefit the state, Chief Minister Dato Seri Amiruddin has outlined areas for the spending.
Among the core initiatives are to drive quality investments and generate high income; promote smart education and ensure a sustainable environment; safeguard the welfare of the people, and foster unity.
So what are the benefits for the people from the RM2.53 billion?
The CM in his tabling of the budget announced a Special Financial Aid Incentive of two and a half months’ salary for state civil servants, as a reward for their contribution and struggles in keeping Selangor the number one state.
In the High-value Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme, Selangor reserved RM1 million to establish the Selangor Skills and Jobs Council. Offer 100,000 high-paying job opportunities in the fields of food and beverage, electrical and electronics, life sciences, transportation, machinery, and equipment.
For transport, the State has set aside RM3 million to develop the Kita Selangor Rail network from Klang to Kuala Selangor, Tanjong Karang, and Sabak Bernam and expand the on-demand transit van services (DRT) in all local government areas.
On Roads and Infrastructure, RM145 million has been allocated to improve road networks implement major road maintenance projects, as well as install street lights and traffic lights.
As for Rural Infrastructure, RM4 million to upgrade dilapidated infrastructure, including community halls and public halls.
Free broadband coverage. And Food Security, RM40 million to stockpile food (rice, fish, meat) in facing climate change. Diversify food supplies (coconut, rice, bananas) to reduce external imports.
Women Entrepreneurs are not left out, here Selangor is giving RM3.3 million to strengthen the Women Entrepreneurs League for business startups, financial management, marketing, and product placement.
For children who are not well off, Selangor is offering a Free Tuition Programme with RM10 million to target 200,000 students to join the Selangor People’s Tuition Programme within five years. This also includes an Education Fund of RM3 million to implement the Selangor Higher Education Institution Study Award (RM1,000 for Level 4 skills certificate, diploma, bachelor’s degree). Plus, RM9 million to continue the scholarship fund to assist students in furthering their studies locally and internationally.
On Healthcare, RM35 million is being reserved for 100,000 Iltizam Selangor Sihat policyholders to receive basic medical treatment and annual vaccinations of RM500 per family and RM250 per individual. Hospitalisation benefits of up to RM10,000 per year, with RM5,000 for critical illnesses and natural deaths each. Bantuan Sihat Selangor up to RM5,000 for the less fortunate to cover dialysis costs, cataract surgeries, and cancer treatments. And up to RM5,000 aid for heart treatments.
This also includes RM1.5 million to cover basic clinical treatments, deaths, permanent disabilities, critical illnesses, and funeral expenses for civil servants. RM3.2 million for the Selangor Saring programme, including cancer screenings.
As expected and a notable success, housing will take up the bulk of the budget, Selangor is putting aside RM220 million for the Smart Rent Scheme targeting 810 units. RM200,000 to resolve long-occupied strata ownership issues in apartments. RM300,000 to rehabilitate public housing projects.
Assistance for Nurseries, Kindergartens, and Special-Needs Children, RM100 monthly subsidy for nursery fees and RM50 per month for kindergarten expenses. RM500 savings in the National Education Savings Scheme (SSPN) Prime for five years for 30,000 children born from 2022 onwards. RM1 million for the Selangor Special Needs Children (AnIS) initiative.
Welfare Assistance
Bantuan Kehidupan Sejahtera Selang (Bingkas) for 30,000 families to buy basic goods (RM300 monthly). RM2.1 million to assist traders in buying equipment and machinery (Blueprint programme). RM16.48 million was allocated for Jom Shopping vouchers for 82,400 households earning below RM3,000 per month. RM2 million to assist B40 in homeownership. RM37.5 million for Skim Mesra Usia Emas dan Skim Mesra Insan Istimewa (RM150 shopping vouchers and RM500 death benefits).
Legal Aid Fund
RM3,000 subsidy for each case for households with incomes up to RM5,000 Women and Family RM4 million for women’s activities and programmes. Continuation of the Empowered Women Selangor Scholarship.
Islamic Affairs
Quran and Fardhu Ain Integration Class (Kafai) fee subsidies. RM5 million for the RM30 monthly aid for parents paying Kafai fees in full. Muassasah Haj Incentive. RM3 million allocated for pocket money Hajj pilgrims (RM500 per person).
