The Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has unveiled the latest Bajet 2024, considered the largest budget in Malaysian history. The budget has garnered a broad spectrum of perspectives from Malaysians, with many sharing their opinions on the allocations and measures included in it.

Insight:

• The conversations on the Bajet 2024 garnered around 59.4K mentions with 2M social interactions that potentially reached 26.3M users.
• Despite mixed reactions to the recently announced Budget 2024, positive mentions were slightly more prominent, as people viewed this year’s budget as a testament to the government’s commitment to investing in the country’s future and providing support to those who need it most.
• Among the topics that garnered the most positive reactions were those related to the education sector, following the announcement of PTPTN discounts and additional initiatives for higher learning institutions and students. The government was also praised for improving targeted subsidies for those truly in need, and for increasing Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah aid. Additionally, the commitment to upgrade roads and infrastructure in public facilities, such as hospitals, was seen as proof of the government’s dedication to safety and the well-being of the Rakyat. Furthermore, netizens highlighted more initiatives under the entertainment industries, as well as arts and tourism.
• Moreover, civil servants were delighted when the government announced the highest ever bonus of RM2,000 for government officers grade 56 and below. They now believe that their hard work for the country is appreciated, although some hope that the government will also revise their salary scale, as promised in the previous year’s budget.
• As the government contemplates increasing the Service tax to 8% from 6% for several sectors excluding F&B, parking, and logistics, mixed reactions were observed. Some criticized the move, arguing that the increase in service tax would indirectly affect the price of goods. They suggested that the government should reintroduce GST, which they believe is a more effective taxation system. Nonetheless, others agreed with the move, stating that the increase in the service tax would not affect essential items and services.
• Lastly, conversations related to electric vehicles (EVs) garnered the most negative mentions, as people disagreed with the subsidies and initiatives provided for EVs. They argued that EVs are primarily targeted at high-income earners who should not be entitled to these subsidies. People were also skeptical about the government’s plan to use EVs starting next year, speculating that the move would only benefit them. They suggested that the government should better allocate the funds to improve public transportation, which would undoubtedly benefit all Malaysians.