GEORGE TOWN, Nov 4 -- Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are hoping that tax exemptions and extension of previous financial stimulus packages introduced by the federal government can be introduced in Budget 2021.

Buddhist Tzu Chi Merits Society Malaysia commissioner Khoo Boo Leong hoped that the federal government would continue to extend the tax exemption for NGOs.

He said that many NGOs were feeling the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This year alone, we had spent RM6 million for COVID-19 and in many cases, societies and communities are coming forward for assistance due to the long outbreak, which had caused increasing unemployment and lesser donations in the basket,” he told Bernama today.

Budget 2021 is scheduled to be unveiled in Parliament on Friday.

Meanwhile, One Hope Charity and Welfare Berhad president Chua Sui Hau said the federal government should extend the programmes and incentives introduced in the PRIHATIN package to aid low-income families affected by the pandemic.

He said having suitable economical assistance can greatly reduce the burden of families affected by the pandemic, especially those within the B40 community.

“I also hope that the government can be more attentive toward medical frontliners’ welfare and continue to provide cash incentives for those involved in the battle against COVID-19,” he said.

He also said although the One Hope Charity and Welfare’s fundraising activities had been slower than last year, it still managed to gather sufficient medical funds to help the needy for the time being.

“Even though the outbreak has affected many, our donors are still able to provide sunshine to beneficiaries,” he added.

-- BERNAMA