KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6 — Several new initiatives meant for frontliners facing Covid-19 were announced by Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, amongs which include increased allowances and one-off payments.
When reading out his Budget 2021 speech, Tengku Zafrul announced an increase in allowances for auxiliary firemen from RM6 to RM8 an hour that comes into effect next year, benefiting more than 1,900 volunteers.
He also announced a free Self Accidental Protection Scheme worth up to RM100,000 to each new loanee of the Public Sector Housing Financing Board for the years 2021 and 2022.
“Additionally, as a sign of appreciation to the sacrifices and devotion of police retirees who received the Pingat Jasa Pahlawan Negara, the government has agreed to implement a one-off payment of RM500 to 40,000 recipients,” he said.
The additional incentives were part of the Perikatan Nasional government’s first ever Budget, aimed at spurring domestic activity as it grapples with the economic fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The government is cognisant about the welfare and well-being of civil servants, especially in a country affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Frontliners such as doctors, nurses, police, army, firefighters, Rela, Social Welfare Department staff and many more who have toiled and sacrificed with all their might, to ensure the well-being of all of us, Malaysians!” said the minister when reading out his speech today.
The expansive Budget saw the government boosting its expenditure in 2021 to RM322.5 billion, an increase of 2.5 per cent as compared to the year before.
