Mohideen Abdul Kader

GEORGE TOWN, Nov 7 -- The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) and environmental-based non-governmental organisation Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) have described Budget 2021 as an inclusive one as it has taken into account the needs of various segments of society.

CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader and SAM president Meenakshi Raman in a joint statement today said the budget has put a great emphasis on helping the people cope with the current challenges brought about by COVID-19.

“The budget focuses on (helping) groups affected by the pandemic particularly the B40, micro, small and medium businesses, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and the Orang Asli community

“It also gives due recognition to frontliners who had been working tirelessly since the outbreak of the pandemic to stop the spread of COVID-19,” the statement said.

However, CAP and SAM pointed that there was no specific plan highlighted in the budget to tackle the issues of climate change, despite it is badly affecting the environment.

“We are also disappointed with the Forest Plantation Development Loan programme that will negatively impact the environment and communities who are heavily dependent on forests,” according to the statement.

CAP and SAM were also of the view that the increased allocation under the Economic, Infrastructure and Welfare Development-Based Grants (TAHAP) to all state governments from RM350 million to RM400 million, was in line with efforts to ensure the natural resources and the sustainability of the country’s biodiversity remain preserved.

-- BERNAMA