By Jerry Choong
SHAH ALAM, Nov 27 — The 2023 Selangor Budget that was tabled on Friday (November 25) has been described by Bukit Melawati state assemblyman Juwairiya Zulkifli as a family and people-friendly budget.
She said this is particularly evident in the second of its five cores, which is to nurture a united and compassionate society.
"Many family initiatives including for children and single mothers were introduced, which includes a RM336,000 allocation for single mothers' economic development incentives, a special quota on purchasing Rumah Selangorku for single mothers," Juwairiya said in a statement.
For children, a RM4 million allocation via Yayasan Insan Istimewa Selangor (Yanis), the Iltizam Anak Selangor card (AnIS card), and special assistance for Anak Istimewa Selangor special-needs children like one-off registration for preschool, smart daycare programme, and education fees subsidy at Early Intervention Program centres.
"This is clear proof of the commitment to continue developing the potential and prepare a support system for all special-needs children in the state.
"Similarly the state government has also allocated RM200,000 for the menstrual hygiene campaign, a response to the menstrual poverty that is widespread due to the lack of access to sanitary pads which is affecting marginalised communities and young girls. Combatting menstrual poverty can also address the issue of school dropouts," she said.
Juwairiya also welcomed the RM65.5 million allocation for the public health sector via the Iltizam Selangor Sihat (ISS) programme, which is expected to benefit up to 150,000 families. ISS holders can obtain basic treatment and vaccination in any panel clinics throughout Selangor.
"The 2023 Selangor Budget is a sound move to ensure all societal segments are taken into account, after the nation has faced the Covid-19 pandemic global health crisis. #KitaSelangor is a phrase introduced with the emphasis on collective importance, unity, compassion, and courtesy," she said.
During the tabling of the budget, themed '#KitaSelangor: Boosting Progress, Strengthening Unity, Fulfilling Hope', Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari said a total of RM2.45 billion has been set aside to prepare for next year's economic slowdown.
Of this number, RM1.25 billion or 51 per cent has been allocated for operating expenses, while the remaining RM1.2 billion is for development.
