Zareef Muzammil
SHAH ALAM, Oct 4 — The 2023 Selangor Budget, which is scheduled to be tabled at the end of this month, should include more funding for initiatives that would boost entrepreneur empowerment and socioeconomic growth.
Citing the Poverty Eradication Blueprint Assistance as an example, state executive councillor for socioeconomic development V Ganabatirau said that more entrepreneurs would gain access to business tools through the additional funding.
“The initiative began in 2008 with an annual budget of RM2 million and has remained to this day. It is hoped that the budget would be raised this time around because there have been more applications,” he said when contacted.
Ganabatirau also expressed his hope that more target groups may be assisted by increasing the budget for the Skim Mesra Usia Emas (SMUE) programme for the elderly group and the Jom Shopping initiative that is held during festive seasons.
He had also asked for additional allocations to organise a career fair under the Selangor Workers’ Empowerment Unit (UPPS) to address the unemployment issue in the state.
“We have previously hosted career fairs in collaboration with various government agencies including the Department of Labour and the Social Security Organisation (Socso) in nine districts.
“Therefore, I hope that this request would be taken into consideration. The career fairs had proven to be effective as some 2,500 individuals were hired from the 60 companies from various sectors taking part in the event,” he said.
The Kota Kemuning state assemblyman had also requested an increased budget for houses of worship of non-Muslims.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari will table the state budget at the Selangor State Legislative Assembly on October 28.
Catch it live via SelangorTV (selangortv.my) and Media Selangor Facebook.
