PUTRAJAYA: The Higher Education Ministry is contemplating more stringent measures in issuing the next batch of the 1Malaysia Book Vouchers (BB1M).

Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the ministry would look into plugging weaknesses in the disbursement system of the next batch of BB1M, to avoid any more abuse by students.

Director-general Datuk Dr Rujhan Mustafa said the ministry would consider putting the names of the students on the vouchers, which were previously left blank, to be cross-checked by bookstores.

He said the list of names of all registered higher education students would be given to their Finance Department.

"We hope that the students will be more responsible and not deal with third parties to sell off their vouchers," he said, while adding that they would advise registered bookstores to be more aware of any abuse in voucher dealings.

The second round of BB1M was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak during the 2013 Budget.

The government, in announcing a second round of BB1M, increased the value of the vouchers from RM200 to RM250.

The usage of the vouchers came into question when an expose by the New Straits Times in January revealed that students were selling off the vouchers for a quick buck.

Some students then had openly sold their vouchers online while others used word-of-mouth to spread their business.

Checks at several bookstores in the Klang Valley then also revealed that some students were willing to exchange the vouchers for anything they had in stock, including cigarettes, entertainment magazines and handphone top-ups.

The issue escalated when a couple was caught in Kedah for offering cash to students in exchange for the vouchers, while several bookstores were investigated for allegedly having participated in the misuse of the vouchers.

The ministry then issued a warning to all universities to keep a lookout for students abusing the vouchers while the police were given free rein to take action against the culprits..

When the 2012 Budget was tabled, Najib had said that the RM260 million BB1M initiative would benefit all Malaysian students in public and private local institutions of higher learning, matriculation and Form 6 schools.

The main objective was to allow the 1.3 million higher education students better access to books and stationery that would help ease their burden throughout their studies.

The ministry, however, is still in discussions over the new batch and has yet to finalise the full details of the distribution.

Read more: Students' names on book vouchers to stop abuse - General - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/students-names-on-book-vouchers-to-stop-abuse-1.151330#ixzz2G1CC7H5q

Tertiary students not eligible for RM250 handout

KUALA LUMPUR: Tertiary students aged 21 and above are not entitled to receive the RM250

given out under the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) 2.0 scheme, the Finance Ministry said.

The students were, however, entitled to the 1Malaysia Book Voucher to be given out a second

time, with the sum raised by RM50 to RM250.

The 1Malaysia Book Voucher is an aid to reduce the cost of books bought by the students, and

involved an allocation of RM325mil.

The voucher would benefit 1.3 million students nationwide, the ministry said in a statement here

yesterday.

The clarification comes in the wake of newspaper reports that tertiary students and the

unemployed were also eligible for BR1M.

Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, tabling Budget 2013 in the Dewan

Rakyat last Friday, announced BR1M 2.0, a second one-off payment of RM500 for households

earning less than RM3,000 per month.

He also announced that BR1M 2.0 was extended to cover single unmarried individuals aged 21

and above earning not more than RM2,000 per month, with a single one-off payment of RM250. -

Bernama

Move to provide book voucher to M’sian students overseas

BEIJING: Malaysian students abroad should be entitled to receive the RM250 1Malaysia Book

Voucher (BB1M), said Malaysian Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Senator Gan Ping Sieu.

The matter would be brought up with the Finance Ministry, he said, adding that the students

should also be able to enjoy the advantages of the 1Malaysia Student Discount Card (KADS1M).

"Our students overseas should be able to enjoy the (same) benefits," he told Bernama on the

sidelines of a dinner-and-dialogue session with about 150 Malaysian students organised

Saturday night in conjunction with his three-day visit here.

When tabling Budget 2013 on Sept 28, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had said that the

BB1M programme would continue to be implemented for pre-university students and those in

institutions of higher learning, with an addition of RM50 to RM250.

Meanwhile, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed between the National

Sports Council (NSC) of Malaysia and the All-China Sports Federation to enhance sports

cooperation.

Gan inked the pact on behalf of NSC while the All-China Sports Federation was represented by

its deputy president, Yang Shu'an. - Bernama

Home > News_archive > 2012 Budget Will Further Boost Transformation Efforts, Says Najib

2012 Budget Will Further Boost Transformation Efforts, Says Najib

Posted in News_archive on 十月 19th, 2011 by Najib Razak | View Comments

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 19 (Bernama) — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the 2012 Budget is hoped to further boost the national transformation programme encompassing the government, economy and politics.

He said the tabling of the budget was also hoped to fulfill some of his pledges to the people such as the one embodied in the principles ‘People First, Performance Now’.

“While we make this transformation, it should be for the benefit of all Malaysians, not a handful. Underpinning this transformation is the promise I first made to you, the Rakyat, in April 2009.

“The tabling of the Budget is part of this promise, and last Friday, I hope another large part has been fulfilled. It is not a final solution, as I have stated before, but it fuels us further on our Transformation journey, and embodies the principle of People First, Performance Now,” he said in his latest blog entry at www.1Malaysia.com.my, Wednesday.

“I appreciate the positive reactions of the Rakyat to the 2012 Budget, whether addressed to me directly on my blog, Facebook, Twitter (even face-to-face!), or in other publications and websites. I am also aware of the skepticism expressed by some of you in the same fashion.

“I assure you, the Government and the Rakyat want the same thing: to be able to enjoy strong and continuous economic growth in harmony,” he said.

As such, he said, in the new budget, the government had introduced several measures aimed at easing the financial burden of the people during this challenging economic situation.

These included a one-off payment of RM500 for all Malaysian households with a monthly income of RM3,000 or below; new funding for the 1Malaysia KAR1SMA anti-poverty programme, with assistance to poor senior citizens for RM300 a month and RM100 a month to poor children as well as help disabled Malaysians. Almost 500,000 will benefit from KAR1SMA alone;

A huge boost to public and private housing development making home ownership in reach of more Malaysians than ever before;

Abolishment of annual fees for primary and secondary students, making primary and secondary school education free; and

A RM200 book voucher for all Malaysians in Form 6 and in higher education nationwide, he said.

“While we provide this financial support, it would be irresponsible for the Government not to equip you with the necessary skills and tools to be financially independent and secure.

“We all cannot move forward if you survive only on the fish we give. You need the ability and skills to fish for yourselves. When you are skilled and able, we will successfully transform,” he said.

Hence, Najib said, the following measures were also proposed in the Budget, among others:

Programmes to encourage innovation among youth and residents in rural areas, such as Jejak Inovasi and C1PTA;

Training programmes for eligible retired army personnel without pension to enter into business and assistance with job placements;

Micro-lending facilities through Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) in particular to encourage more women to enter into business;

Funds to encourage innovation among Small Medium Enterprises and to assist the revitalisation of their business;

Introducing MyCreative Venture Capital to provide funding for new and innovative business ideas from youths;

Skills training programmes including Strategic Action Youth 1Malaysia (SAY 1Malaysia) for youths who have not continued their studies;

The Prime Minister said while the Government embarked on implementing this Budget, he called for the support and active participation of the people to achieve a different and far better outcome for this generation of Malaysia, and for generations to come.

Source : Bernama

DISBURSEMENT OF 1MALAYSIA BOOK VOUCHERRM200 TO MALAYSIAN STUDENTSEligibility CriteriaTo be eligible for receiving the 1Malaysia Book Voucher all Malaysian students must fulfill thefollowing criteria:1. Malaysian nationality.

2. Must be active and register in IIUM between 1 January 2012 and 31 March 2012 in thefollowing level of study:a. Diplomab. Postgraduate Diplomac. Bachelord. Master (including executive Master Programs)e. PhD (including executive Phd Programs)

3. Open to all full-time and part-time studies.Voucher Validity & RateThe validity of the voucher is for 3 months from 1 January 2012 until 31 March 2012. Eachstudents will receive 4 pieces of RM50 worth of voucher totaling to RM200.Usage1. The voucher is to be used to purchase the following items:a. Academic text booksb. Academic journals/magazines2. If the total purchase does not total to RM200, students are allowed to buy stationeries.3. Please take note if any excess amount will not be refunded. Example : Student A buybooks worth RM160 and stationeries of RM28 totaling to RM188. The remaining RM12will not be refunded to students. So please plan wisely.4. If the total purchase is more than RM200, the students have to pay the remainingamount on their own and cannot claim. Example : Student A buy books worth RM210.The RM10 will come from student A own money.5. The voucher cannot be exchange for RM.BookstoreThe voucher can be used at any bookstore. Students are required to write their names and ICnumber on the voucher and must present their IC when buying books using the voucher.Date of DisbursementThe disbursement exercise of 1Malaysia Book Voucher to IIUM Malaysian students includingSBU students will be conducted on the following dates and venues:Venue Date Matric No Starts WithMoot Court(for AIKOL and KENMS)9 January 2012 (9.00am – 4.30pm)10 January 2012 (9.00am – 4.30pm)11 January 2012 (9.00am – 4.30pm)

12 January 2012 (9.00am – 4.30pm)111, 101, 102, 103,G111,G101,G102,G103,Double Degree.091, 092, 093, G091,G092,G093, DoubleDegree.081, 082, 083.G081,G082,083, DoubleDegree.Intake before 2008Main Auditorium(for KIRKHS and INSTED)9 January 2012 (9.00am – 4.30pm)10 January 2012 (9.00am – 4.30pm)11 January 2012 (9.00am – 4.30pm)12 January 2012 (9.00am – 4.30pm)111, 101, 102, 103,G111,G101,G102,G103Double Degree.091, 092, 093,G091,G092,G093, DoubleDegree.081, 082, 083.G081,G082,083, DoubleDegree.Intake before 2008Meeting RoomKulliyyah of Engineering(for KAED,KENGIN,KICT)9 January 2012 (9.00am – 4.30pm)10 January 2012 (9.00am – 4.30pm)11 January 2012 (9.00am – 4.30pm)12 January 2012 (9.00am – 4.30pm)111, 101, 102, 103,G111,G101,G102,G103Double Degree.091, 092, 093,G091,G092,G093, DoubleDegree.081, 082, 083.G081,G082,083, DoubleDegree.Intake before 2008SBUs’(GMS,AEIC,CBE,LAWCENTRE,CITA,CERDAS,CTL)Determine by SBUs’ Determine by SBUs’KUANTAN Determine by Kuantan Campus Determine by Kuantan CampusCFS Determine by CFS Determine by CFSStudents who are unable to come on the above date can come to the Student Unit FinanceDivision counter to collect the Book Voucher.Things to bringStudents are required to bring their Matric Card and IC on the day ofdisbursement.PREPARED BY;

FINANCE DIVISION

Malaysia Budget 2013 Report (Bajet 2013 Malaysia) Highlights on Education, Students and Youths<img src="http://b.scorecardresearch.com/p?

c1=8&c2=6864323&c3=990&c4=&c5=&c6=&c10=&c15=&cj=1" />

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Update (2) 1/10/2012: Finance Ministry issued clarification: BR1M 2.0 not for tertiary students

Tertiary students aged 21 and above are not entitled to the RM250 under the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) 2.0 which is meant for single unmarried people aged 21 and above earning less than RM2,000 per month, the Finance Ministry clarified Monday.

The students were, however, entitled to receive the 1Malaysia Book Voucher to be given out a second time, with the sum raised by RM50 to RM250, to benefit 1.3 million students nationwide, it said in a statement.

Update 1/10/2012: Deputy Finance Minister, YB Datuk Dr. Awang Adek Hussein, said that students and unemployeds are eligible for RM250 one-off payment under Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) 2.0 as they fulfil the requirements - single unmarried individuals aged 21 and above and earning not more than RM2,000 a month. He also added that BR1M 2.0 will be distributed starting from January 2013 onwards.

Meanwhile on another occasion today, Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai, another Deputy Finance Minister, contradicted what Datuk Dr. Awang Adek Hussein has said. Lim said that university students, who already have the RM250 book voucher, are not eligible for the cash aid, but unemployed university graduates are. Application forms for the second round of the Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M 2.0) cash aid are expected to be distributed this month. Those who had previously applied for BR1M 1.0 need not re-register for BR1M 2.0, while those who think they are eligible would have to make fresh applications.

Update 3/10/2012: #TanyaNajib Bajet 2013 Hangout On Air is Live now!

Malaysia Budget 2013 Report (Bajet 2013 Malaysia) Highlights on Education, Teachers and Students: RM100 for primary and secondary school students, RM250 book vouchers for IPTA students, PTPTN loan discount, RM250 smartphone rebates and many more exciting news!

Share on Facebook, Tweet on Twitter - Share the good news with your friends, feel free to sign up and buy 40% to 90% discounted shopping and dining deals online! MilkADeal - MyDEAL - Dealmates - I LOVE DISCOUNTS - WeBUY

Prime Minister announced that Malaysia Budget 2013 is themed "Prospering The Nation, Enhancing the Well-Being of the Rakyat: A Promise Fulfilled".

Malaysia Budget 2013 (Bajet 2013 Malaysia) Allocation for Students

RM10,000 rebates and 2% interest subsidy on loans to purchase new school buses, to replace buses which are 25 years or more. (Capacity 12 to 18 seats)

RM2.6 bil in welfare aid for schoolchildren One-off payment of RM100 for each primary and secondary school student RM250 book voucher (Baucar Buku 1Malaysia, BB1M) for each IPTA student 20% discount for National Higher Education Fund (PTPTN) loans for those who pay

off the entire amount outstanding (valid until Sept 30, 2013) 10% discount for PTPTN loan repayment for those who pay consistently 100 neighbourhood internet centres

Malaysia Budget 2013 (Bajet 2013 Malaysia) Allocation for Education and Labour

RM1 bil to improve school infrastructure. RM400m for national schools, and RM100m each for Chinese, Tamil, mission, religious, boarding schools (Sekolah Berasrama Penuh, SBP) and Maktab Rendah Sains MARA (MRSM).

RM1.2 bil for pre-schools under government programmes including Permata RM10,000 launching grants for private pre-school operators Five-year tax holiday and building allowance for pre-school operators Six pilot pre-schools for the disabled RM3.7 bil for vocational training RM38.7b or 15 per cent of the entire allocation allocated for Education Ministry An added allocation of RM500mil to improve teachers’ skills in core subjects:

Bahasa Malaysia, English, Science and Mathematics RM2 million to be allocated for the Graduate Employability Taskforce to help

unemployed undergrads improve their marketability RM50m allocated to train and equip 3,200 Indian students with skills in demand

by the job market Free health checks, twice a year, for Perkeso members

Malaysia Budget 2013 (Bajet 2013 Malaysia) Allocation for Research and Development (R&D)

RM600 million R&D grants for five universities. Focus: Nanotechnology, automotive, bio-technology and aerospace technology

Tax holiday for research and development investment (10-year tax holiday for statutory earnings)

RM2 billion for green technology scheme

Malaysia Budget 2013 (Bajet 2013 Malaysia) Allocation for Youth and Sports

Velodrom in Seremban, Negri Sembilan and a Badminton Academy in Bukit Kiara,Kuala Lumpur

Subsidy of two percent of interest rates business loans for young entrepreneurs for loans up to RM100,000

RM200 rebate for smart phone purchase for those aged 21 to 30 years. Update: Unemployed graduates can apply Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) 2.0

too! RM250 cash for single unmarried individuals aged 21 and above and earning not more than RM2,000 a month.

Source: Live Twitter Tweets updates #Budget2013 #Bajet2013 and Malaysiakini

Got a question about Malaysia Budget 2013 Report (Bajet 2013 Malaysia)? Catch Prime Minister YAB Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Razak on Google+ Hangout live on October 3, 2012 9PM at the official YouTube channel www.youtube.com/najibrazak.

3 Oktober 2012, 9p malam #TanyaNajib Bajet 2013 Saksikan LIVE di saluran rasmi www.youtube.com/najibrazak

Finance Minister YAB Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Razak's Budget 2013 Speech HighlightsStimulating the Capital and Financial Markets45. The SC will introduce the Graduate Representative Programme to increase the supply of professionals to support growth of the capital market. The programme will be implemented in collaboration with the private sector to train 1,000 graduates to meet the needs of the securities and derivatives industry.

SECOND FOCUS: STRENGTHENING EDUCATION AND TRAININGMalaysia Education Blueprint 2013 – 202558. Since independence, the Government has promoted education as the main agenda of the nation. The Government is aware that investment in education and training is a pre-requisite for prosperity of the country and the well-being of the rakyat. In this respect, large allocations have been provided annually. In 2013, the allocation for education and training accounts for 21% of the total budget. However, the outcomes are not commensurate with the investment made. Thus, on 11 September 2012, the Ministry of Education launched the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013 – 2025 Preliminary Report to ensure the national education system is capable of optimising the potential of each Malaysian child.

59. In the 2013 Budget, a sum of RM38.7 billion is allocated to the Ministry of Education (MOE) for operating and development expenditure.

60. Measures to increase the competency and quality of teachers are critical to support the success of the education system. Thus, in addition to the allocation of RM38.7 billion to MOE, the Government will allocate another RM500 million to enhance teaching skills in core subjects such as Bahasa Malaysia, English, Science and Mathematics through the Higher Order Thinking Skills approach. The allocation includes the establishment of an Education Delivery Unit to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the transformation plan.

61. In the 2012 Budget, the Government allocated RM1 billion under the Special Fund for the Building, Improvement and Maintenance of Schools, particularly to cater for immediate needs to refurbish school buildings, maintenance, purchase of school equipment and construction of additional blocks. I am pleased to announce an additional RM1 billion to this Special Fund. Of this amount, RM400 million will be channelled to national schools; RM100 million to national-type Chinese schools; RM100 million to national-type Tamil schools; RM100 million to mission schools; RM100 million to Government-assisted religious schools; RM100 million to boarding schools; and RM100 million to Maktab Rendah Sains MARA.

Strengthening the Role of Pre-Schools62. In early childhood education, the quality of pre-school education is critical to equip children with basic education. For this, RM1.2 billion will be allocated for preschool education to Jabatan Kemajuan Masyarakat, MOE, PERMATA and Department of National Unity and Integration. In addition, RM380 million will be allocated to the MOE for placement of kindergarten teachers.

63. High quality pre-school and childcare services are imperative to ensure children receive proper care while nurturing foster positive mental development. For this the Government proposes the following incentives:First: Launching grant of RM10,000 to assist operators of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) private centres in opening new high quality pre-schools. It is estimated that 1,000 new private ECCE centres will benefit from this initiative;Second: A double deduction on the allowance or subsidies provided to the employees and expenses for the maintenance of childcare centres be given to the employers;Third: Income tax exemption for 5 years and industrial building allowance at the rate of 10% a year be given to operators of pre-school and private childcare centres; andFourth: Income tax exemption for 5 years and industrial building allowance at the rate of 10% a year be given to operators of private pre-schools.

64. Currently, there are many disabled children from low-income families who do not receive early education due to lack of pre-schools for disabled children (TASKA OKU). For this, the Government will implement a pilot project for TASKA OKU in six categories of disabled children, namely down syndrome, autism, blind or partially sighted, hearing and speaking disabilities, physical disability and learning difficulties.

Skills and Training65. Moving on to the issue of knowledgeable, creative and innovative human capital, training programmes will be developed to hone new skills in line with future needs of industry in a high-income and developed economy. For this purpose, RM3.7 billion will be allocated in 2013 to train students in technical and vocational fields.

66. Every year about 180,000 students graduate with diplomas and degrees from institutions of higher learning. To assist unemployed graduates, the Government will

launch the Graduate Employability Blueprint by end-2012. The Blueprint will focus on strengthening the employability of graduates. In this regard, the Government will establish the Graduate Employability Taskforce with an allocation of RM200 million.

67. The Government has implemented the 1Malaysia Training Scheme Programme, also known as SL1M, to increase employability of graduates through soft skills training and on-the-job-training in private companies through double deduction on expenses incurred by the companies. This incentive is effective from 1 June 2012 until 31 December 2016.

68. The Government will allocate RM440 million to the Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK), to provide loans for trainees to undergo skills training. This measure will benefit nearly 40,000 trainees undertaking the Malaysia Skill Certificate Level One to Five. The Government will allocate RM366 million to upgrade as well as purchase equipment for Industrial Training Institutes and National Youth Vocational Institutes (IKBN).

69. In line with the objective to transform the country’s key industries towards high technology, innovation and high income, various skills training programmes will be implemented. Towards this, focus will be given to create a professional and talented workforce in selected industries, including oil and gas, shipping, ICT, creative and biotechnology. In 2013, about 5,000 trainees are expected to enrol in these programmes. Additionally, PETRONAS will utilise IKBN in Pengerang, Johor to train 300 youths for the oil and gas sector by end of 2012 to meet the needs of the RAPID project.

70. The Government is aware of the plight of poor Malaysian Indian students in the estates who do not achieve good results in examination and are unable to find jobs. In line with this, the Government will allocate RM50 million to train 3,200 Malaysian Indian students in the estates to equip them with skills in line with market demand. The training will be conducted by Industrial Training Institutes and colleges under the Dual National Training Scheme.

71. In ensuring that private sector workers remain healthy and productive to contribute to their companies and economic development, the issue of health must be given priority. In this regard, SOCSO will allocate RM200 million to enable its 1.4 million members to undertake free health screening in Government hospitals or SOCSO’s panel clinics. The health screening is for all workers aged between 40 and 55 years to detect non-communicable diseases.

Research and Development73. Research and Development (R&D) activities will continue to be emphasised. Various R&D findings and output of public research institutions have the potential to be commercialised. To support this effort, the Government will allocate RM600 million to five research universities to conduct high-impact research in strategic fields such as nanotechnology, automotive, biotechnology and aerospace.

Youth and Sports113. Sports is the best catalyst for national unity as it involves all segments of society. Sports personalities such as Lee Chong Wei, Nicol Anne David, Pandelela Rinong, Azizulhasni Awang and Muhamad Ziyad are among the highly regarded heroes and heroines in sports. The nation is proud of their success and achievements in the international arena. The Government places emphasis on continuous sports development and for this, an allocation RM738 million is provided for youth and sports development.

114. The Government will allocate RM15 million to prepare athletes for international sporting events, including the South East Asian Games and ASEAN Para Games in 2013 as well as the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games in 2014. In addition, a sum of RM50 million is allocated for four years, specifically in preparation for the 2016 Olympic Rio under the Road to Rio programme.

115. To encourage the development of cycling and badminton, the Government will build a covered velodrome in Seremban and a Badminton Academy in Bukit Kiara with an allocation of RM80 million.

116. In efforts to produce a young generation with towering personality and integrity as well as creative, innovative and competitive attributes, the Government will launch the Y-Creative Programme involving youth societies nationwide. The Government will also organise the Putrajaya Youth Festival, which will be the largest youth gathering in Malaysia, in conjunction with 2013 as the National Volunteer Year.

117. To assist young ICT entrepreneurs, a New Entrepreneur Foundation (NEF) will be established with an initial allocation of RM50 million. The NEF will be the platform to provide training and guidance programmes.

118. In addition, a Young Entrepreneurs Fund will be established with an allocation of RM50 million by the SME Bank. The soft loans, aimed at youths aged 30 and below, offers a 2% interest rate subsidy for loans up to RM100,000 with a 7-year repayment period.

119. The Government recognises the role of youths in aspiring Malaysia’s development. In this regard, the Government will launch the 1Malaysia For Youth Blue Ocean Competition (1M4U) to enable the youth to present creative and innovative ideas through competition at local, state and national levels. The best three ideas will be awarded funds from the 1Malaysia Volunteer Fund.

120. A majority of the 22% of Malaysians who use smartphones to surf the Internet are youths. To enable the youths to access the information highway, a special package will be introduced by the Government with the cooperation between the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (SKMM) and telecommunications companies. Through the Youth Communication Package, a one-off rebate of RM200 will be provided for the purchase of one unit of 3G smartphone from authorised dealers. The initiative is for youths aged between 21 to 30 years with a monthly income of RM3,000 and below. A sum of RM300 million is allocated benefiting 1.5 million youths.

Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M)136. In line with the move towards targeted subsidy, the Government is committed in ensuring every segment of the society is able to enjoy the wealth of the nation. This can only occur if the economy continues to record sustainable growth and the nation is able to generate income, I am glad to announce the distribution of Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M 2.0). The criteria remains the same, where the head of the household earning less than RM3,000 is eligible for the assistance. In addition, I am pleased to announce that this assistance will be extended to single unmarried individuals aged 21 and above and earning not more than RM2,000 a month. This assistance amounts to RM250.

137. As the matter of fact, the assistance to household and single unmarried individuals is not a populist move, but the reflection of a Government that is responsible and

capable of managing the nation’s finance prudently. This will benefit 4.3 million households and 2.7 million single unmarried individuals and involve an allocation of

Easing the Burden of Bus Operators147. The Government is concerned about the safety of children travelling by school buses, particularly buses in poor condition. These buses are in poor condition because the operators are unable to bear the rising cost of maintenance as most of the buses have exceeded their economic life span. For this, the Government proposes school bus operators to be given, firstly, assistance of RM10,000 cash rebate and a 2% interest rate subsidy on full loans for the purchase of new buses to replace buses that have exceeded 25 years with new 12 to 18- seater buses. This loan scheme, managed by BSN, will be offered for a period of two years commencing 1 January 2013.

148. Secondly, provide insurance coverage in the event of accidents, total and permanent disability and death for all school children who travel by school buses with permits. This effort will benefit two million students with maximum coverage of RM100,000 and premium cost of RM40 million per year for a period of two years that will be regulated by Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD).

Reducing Students’ Cost of Learning149. The Government is very concerned about students’ welfare, particularly those from low-income families. The Government continuous to provide special allocations to primary and secondary school students which include per capita grant, hostel meal assistance programme, Food Supplement Programme (RMT), purchase of text books and assistance for payment of additional school fees. For this, RM2.6 billion will be allocated for 2013.

150. In the 2012 Budget, I announced Schooling Assistance of RM100 to all primary and secondary students. Towards easing the burden of the low and medium-income families, the Government will once again provide the Schooling Assistance of RM100 to all primary and secondary students. This assistance is expected to benefit 5.4 million students involving an allocation of RM540 million and will commence January 2013.

151. The Government will continue the 1Malaysia Book Voucher programme for all students in institutions of higher learning (IPT) and at pre-university level. I am pleased to announce that the value of the voucher will be increased from RM200 to RM250. The measure will involve an allocation of RM325 million and benefit 1.3 million students nationwide.

152. The Government is very concerned about the cost of higher education. To ease financial burden of parents, the Government proposes that the existing tax relief on the children’s higher education amounting to RM4,000 per person be increased to RM6,000, commencing from year of assessment 2013. The measure reflects the Government’s commitment and focus on investment to enhance the level of education of the young generation that will benefit the country in the future.

153. To encourage the savings habit for education, I am pleased to announce that the current relief of RM3,000 for savings in the National Education Savings Scheme (SSPN) will be increased to RM6,000.

154. According to the law, debts must be repaid. The PTPTN loan is a privilege, not a right. If the loan is not repaid, it denies the rights of future students to access financing. Therefore, to facilitate loan repayment process, the Government will introduce several

incentives. First, repayment of full loan within a year upon this announcement effective from 1 October 2012 until 30 September 2013, a discount of 20% will be given on their loan.

155. Meanwhile, for those with consistent repayment of PTPTN loan in accordance to their repayment schedule, a 10% discount per annum on their repayment will be given effective from 1 October 2012. As we are aware, there are parties who propose to abolish the overall PTPTN debt. This action is deemed irresponsible. If abolished who shall bear the outstanding debt of PTPTN amounting to RM30 billion. Would it not be the rakyat who will be burdened? Is it an act of responsibility if we are the borrowers, but the rakyat are the ones who have to pay?

Broadband Programme for Urban Poor156. The Government will establish 100 1Malaysia Internet Centres from 2013 to 2015 in suitable areas in the city such as PPR locations. The centres will be equipped with computer facilities and broadband services for daily usage and will enhance the socio-economic activities. For this, SKMM will provide an allocation of RM150 million.

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SO, AFTER weeks of hype and wish lists, did the 2013 Budget live up to your expectations?

If you're a young adult under the age of 30 and earning up to RM3,000 a month, you've probably still got a grin on your face and are having animated debates with your peers on whether the one-off RM200 rebate the government is giving you to buy a 3G smartphone should ultimately be used on Apple, Samsung or RIM.

Bet you didn't see that piece of good news coming! But chances are, you already own a smartphone. As probably do the 40,000-odd local graduates who completed their studies last year and still don't have jobs.

So you'll probably use the money to upgrade your present smartphone even as makers out there wage price wars and overcome lawsuits to push out sleeker, cooler, newer, must-have models to you.

Apparently, a majority of the 22 per cent of Malaysians who use smartphones to surf the Net are youths.

Happy scrambling to become one of the lucky 1.5 million individuals expected to benefit from this rebate. Never mind that you can probably afford to buy a smartphone yourself in the first place.

But the rebate is not the only good thing coming your way.

If you're over 21, unmarried and earning up to RM2,000 a month, and register fast enough, you stand to get RM250 in January under the government's BR1M 2.0 programme that's now extended to include you. The initial programme was meant to boost the disposable income of low-income households.

I'm not sure how much RM250 will help in today's rising-cost world, but hey, some financial help is better than none at all.

And wait, if you're a university student, you could get a RM250 book voucher.

It sure seems like the 2013 Budget has in store a lot of good news in the form of financial incentives for young adults, arguably more so than in previous years.

Which begs the question - were some of these incentives neces-sary?

Probably not. Most of these could have been fine-tuned to ensure that they benefited only those who truly needed them.

Will these moves be effective and work in favour of the government of the day?

Only time will tell, but in the meantime, I guess, they do contribute to a feel-good factor.

SECOND FOCUS: STRENGTHENING EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013 – 2025

58. Since independence, the Government has promoted education as the main agenda of the nation. The Government is aware that investment in education and training is a pre-requisite for prosperity of the country and the well-being of the rakyat. In this respect, large allocations have been provided annually. In 2013, the allocation for education and training accounts for 21% of the total budget. However, the outcomes are not commensurate with the investment made. Thus, on 11 September 2012, the Ministry of Education launched the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013 – 2025 Preliminary Report to ensure the national education system is capable of optimising the potential of each Malaysian child.

59. In the 2013 Budget, a sum of RM38.7 billion is allocated to the Ministry of Education (MOE) for operating and development expenditure.

60. Measures to increase the competency and quality of teachers are critical to support the success of the education system. Thus, in addition to the allocation of RM38.7 billion to MOE, the Government will allocate another RM500 million to enhance teaching skills in core subjects such as Bahasa Malaysia, English, Science and Mathematics through the Higher Order Thinking Skills approach. The allocation includes the establishment of an Education Delivery Unit to monitor and evaluate the

effectiveness of the transformation plan.

61. In the 2012 Budget, the Government allocated RM1 billion under the Special Fund for the Building, Improvement and Maintenance of Schools, particularly to cater for immediate needs to refurbish school buildings, maintenance, purchase of school equipment and construction of additional blocks. I am pleased to announce an additional RM1 billion to this Special Fund. Of this amount, RM400 million will be channelled to national schools; RM100 million to national-type Chinese schools; RM100 million to national-type Tamil schools; RM100 million to mission schools; RM100 million to Government-assisted religious schools; RM100 million to boarding schools; and RM100 million to Maktab Rendah Sains MARA.

Strengthening the Role of Pre-Schools

62. In early childhood education, the quality of pre-school education is critical to equip children with basic education. For this, RM1.2 billion will be allocated for pre-school education to Jabatan Kemajuan Masyarakat, MOE, PERMATA and Department of National Unity and Integration. In addition, RM380 million will be allocated to the MOE for placement of kindergarten teachers.

63. High quality pre-school and childcare services are imperative to ensure children receive proper care while nurturing foster positive mental development. For this the Government proposes the following incentives:

First: Launching grant of RM10,000 to assist operators of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) private centres in opening new high quality pre-schools. It is estimated that 1,000 new private ECCE centres will benefit from this initiative;

Second: A double deduction on the allowance or subsidies provided to the employees and expenses for the maintenance of childcare centres be given to the employers;

Third: Income tax exemption for 5 years and industrial building allowance at the rate of 10% a year be given to operators of pre-school and private childcare centres; and

Fourth: Income tax exemption for 5 years and industrial building allowance at the rate of 10% a year be given to operators of private pre-schools.

64. Currently, there are many disabled children from low-income families who do not receive early education due to lack of pre-schools for disabled children (TASKA OKU). For this, the Government will implement a pilot project for TASKA OKU in six categories of disabled children, namely down syndrome, autism, blind or partially sighted, hearing and speaking disabilities, physical disability and learning difficulties.

Skills and Training

65. Moving on to the issue of knowledgeable, creative and innovative human capital, training programmes will be developed to hone new skills in line with future needs of industry in a high-income and developed economy. For this purpose, RM3.7 billion will be allocated in 2013 to train students in technical and vocational fields.

66. Every year about 180,000 students graduate with diplomas and degrees from institutions of higher learning. To assist unemployed graduates, the Government will launch the Graduate Employability Blueprint by end-2012. The Blueprint will focus on strengthening the employability of graduates. In this regard, the Government will establish the Graduate Employability Taskforce with an allocation of RM200 million.

67. The Government has implemented the 1Malaysia Training Scheme Programme, also known as SL1M, to increase employability of graduates through soft skills training and on-the-job-training in private companies through double deduction on expenses incurred by the companies. This incentive is effective from 1 June 2012 until 31 December 2016.

68. The Government will allocate RM440 million to the Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK), to provide loans for trainees to undergo skills training. This measure will benefit nearly 40,000 trainees undertaking the Malaysia Skill Certificate Level One to Five. The Government will allocate RM366 million to upgrade as well as purchase equipment for Industrial Training Institutes and National Youth Vocational Institutes (IKBN).

69. In line with the objective to transform the country’s key industries towards high technology, innovation and high income, various skills training programmes will be implemented. Towards this, focus will be given to create a professional and talented workforce in selected industries, including oil and gas, shipping, ICT, creative and biotechnology. In 2013, about 5,000 trainees are expected to enrol in these programmes. Additionally, PETRONAS will utilise IKBN in Pengerang, Johor to train 300 youths for the oil and gas sector by end of 2012 to meet the needs of the RAPID project.

70. The Government is aware of the plight of poor Malaysian Indian students in the estates who do not achieve good results in examination and are unable to find jobs. In line with this, the Government will allocate RM50 million to train 3,200 Malaysian Indian students in the estates to equip them with skills in line with market demand. The training will be conducted by Industrial Training Institutes and colleges under the Dual National Training Scheme.

71. In ensuring that private sector workers remain healthy and productive to contribute to their companies and economic development, the issue of health must be given priority. In this regard, SOCSO will allocate RM200 million to enable its 1.4 million members to undertake free health screening in Government hospitals or SOCSO’s panel clinics. The health screening is for all workers

aged between 40 and 55 years to detect non-communicable diseases.

__RM38.7b for education

GREATER FOCUS: Government continues commitment to improving students' performance

THE education sector once again took home a large chunk of the 2013 Budget, with RM38.7 billion set aside for various operating and development expenses.

At 16 per cent of the 2013 Budget, parents and teachers' groups said the large investment was a sign of the government's continued commitment to improving students' learning and performance.

"There are few countries which spend as much on education so, in that sense, we are very lucky to live in Malaysia," said National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) secretary-general Loke Yim Pheng.

Loke praised the setting up of a unit to monitor the implementation of new policies under the National Education Blueprint 2013-2025.

"The Education Delivery Unit will hopefully bring an end to long-standing problems, such as mismanagement, stalled programmes and the misuse of funds."

She also welcomed the additional allocation of RM500 million to enhance teachers' skills in core subjects such as Bahasa Malaysia, English, Science and Mathematics, and hoped that such programmes would be extended to other subjects as well.

"All teachers need to embrace new opportunities to undergo training. They cannot be allowed to remain complacent or believe that they no longer need to improve their skills."

National Collaborative of Parent-Teacher Associations (PIBGN) president Datuk Mohd Ali Hasan said the Budget took into account key concerns highlighted in the education blueprint, such as teachers' competency and reducing educational gaps.

"I am glad that the funds are well spread out, with allocations not only for students at Chinese and Tamil vernacular schools, but also for pre-schoolers, and students with disabilities."

"The RM100 schooling assistance and the increase in the value of 1Malaysia book vouchers will also help to reduce the financial burden on parents, especially those from lower-income families."

He hoped that the introduction of tax incentives and exemptions would encourage the private sector to take on a greater role in educational development.

"I'm looking forward to seeing the industries play their part in opening new opportunities and spaces for our students to grow and learn."

He said the Graduate Employability Taskforce, set up under a RM200 million fund, would help students develop soft skills and improve their marketability.

"The emphasis on vocational education also reflects the country's need to transform traditionally blue collar businesses into high-skill, high-income industries."

Meanwhile, Universiti Tun Hussein Malaysia student representative council president Hafiz Ariffin, 23, welcomed the government's decision to increase the value of the 1Malaysia Book Voucher (BB1M) from RM200 to RM250.

"I'm sure we all appreciate the amount that has been added and we will do our best to utilise it to its fullest.

"The extra RM50 will allow us to buy about five to seven books, or plenty of stationery to last."

Hafiz also welcomed the discount given to those who had settled their National Higher Education Fund (PTPTN) loans in full.

"This is but one of the efforts to educate people who are in debt to be more responsible," he said.

"The 2013 Budget places a lot of emphasise on the younger generation, and this is a clear message that the government really cares."

Read more: RM38.7b for education - General - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/rm38-7b-for-education-1.149926#ixzz2G1I4a61U