Last Friday, the PM announced that RM280.25 billion was allocated towards 2018 Budget, an increase compared to 2017.
Adulting is watching #Bajet2018 right from the start till the end attentively.
— Esther Enjawa (@EstherrEnjawaa) October 27, 2017
It comes to no surprise that the Budget 2018 has netizens in a flurry to pour out their opinions on various social media platforms. From reduction of income tax, PTPTN settlement and even maternity leave, here’s what they have to say on these matters.
1. Affordable housing
The debate for affordable housing, especially for first-time homebuyers has been a recurring issue for many years. This year, the effort is ongoing to help first-time buyers purchase their first home; RM2.2 billion allocation for the housing sector in this year’s budget. The government proposed a 50% tax exemption on rental income received by resident individuals not exceeding RM2,000 per month for resident individuals.
Affordable housing on its way? #Bajet2018 pic.twitter.com/yGBPcJ71gg
— CompareHero.my (@CompareHero_MY) October 27, 2017
Click HERE to know more about property related takeaways on #Budget2018
2. Abolishment of tolls in Selangor, Kedah and Johor
These are the places where tolls will be abolished under #Bajet2018
1. Batu Tiga, Shah Alam
2. Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah
3. EDL Highway, JB— Zhihan G. (@KLnista) October 27, 2017
The increase of toll prices in years has left many Malaysians frustrated. The PM announced the elimination of tolls in Batu Tiga, Shah Alam and Sg. Rasau in Selangor, Bukit Kayu Hitam in Kedah and the Eastern Dispersal Link (EDL) in Johor. There were mixed reviews on this.
Good luck people. Selamat menempuhi jammed.
May the odds be ever in your favour.#Bajet2018 pic.twitter.com/XsuP4Wr2hY— Bebe Kexha (@kilaberry) October 27, 2017
Toll collection to be abolished at Batu Tiga, Shah Alam (among other locations) from Jan 1, 2018. Yay, no more traffic jam. #Bajet2018
— Sharmine Ishak (@sharmineishak) October 27, 2017
3. Reduction of income tax rate
If you’re earning RM20,000 to RM70,000 a year, the income tax rate has dropped 2%. This means more savings for the future!
Things I agree in #bajet2018:
1. Lowering income tax for middle class
2. Romoval of tolls (all of them)
3. Kindergarten @ workplace— Ibrahim Sani (@ibrahimsaninet) October 28, 2017
Personal income tax cut for all 2.3 million tax payers, with 2% cut. Terima kasih @NajibRazak #Bajet2018 #KitaOK pic.twitter.com/ERQVxfdxwx
— Sid Razali ฏ๎๎๎๎๎๎๎ (@sidchan) October 27, 2017
4. Extension of 20% discount on full settlement of PTPTN loan
The discounts for PTPTN repayments will be extended until 31 December 2018. Repayments will also be extended to future students, in which they will need to start paying 12 months after completion of study as opposed to the previous 6 months.
20% for PTPTN full settlement. Yes now we’re talking #Bajet2018
— ♛ (@ShiraInderam) October 27, 2017
5. What’s in store for government servants and pensioners?
Civil servants who are at least 5 months pregnant will be allowed to leave work an hour earlier. #Budget2018 #Bajet2018
— BFM News (@NewsBFM) October 27, 2017
RM1,500 bonus for civil servants. RM1,000 to be paid in January and RM500 during Hari Raya #Bajet2018 @themmailonline pic.twitter.com/1hivVHHbxU
— Kamles Kumar (@Kama7esh) October 27, 2017
Civil servants who retire for health reasons will receive same benefits as those who retired at mandatory age #Budget2018 #Bajet2018
— The Star (@staronline) October 27, 2017
6. Maternity leave extended to 90 days
At present, the mandatory maternity leave in the private sector is 60 days. The Budget 2018 announced to have an extended leave of 90 days to the private sector.
90 days mandatory maternity leave for private sector
impressive#Bajet2018— Hanif (@HanifOmarYazid) October 27, 2017
Mothers, rejoice! The govt will call for private sectors to increase maternity leave to 90 days instead of present 60 days. #Bajet2018 pic.twitter.com/bt3WDTXHle
— Latest on SAYS (@saysdotcom) October 27, 2017
7. Education
A total of RM61.6 billion has been allocated for the education sector; double the amount other ASEAN countries spend on average.
I was hoping for a better budget and plan for education sector. After 2 years our education budget has been cut down, I think it’s enough and improvement need to be taken in order to provide our youth with better education. #Budget2018 #Bajet2018
— Fadhil Helmi (@fadhilxt) October 27, 2017
Although most have adopted the wait-and-see approach in terms of the Budget 2018, the benefits mentioned will require additional information to gauge the impact (positive or negative) towards Malaysians. With that being said, everyone can definitely benefit from this year’s Budget 2018.
What do you think of the #Budget2018? Drop us your comments below!