13MP bold step to grow Malaysia's economy, says Amir Hamzah

The Star

21 hours ago

KUALA LUMPUR: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) is a bold step forward to grow the nation's economy to ensure opportunities for all Malaysians, says Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.
The Finance Minister II said that the approach taken under 13MP would help achieve the aspirations under Madani economy.
"What we want is that what is done though the 13MP reaches and is felt by the rakyat.
"This can be seen from what was tabled by the Prime Minister," he told reporters at a press conference in Parliament on Thursday (July 31).
He said that the 13MP represented the collective aspirations of the nation, which required bold measures for its realisation.
"The approach taken will spur and grow the economy and find ways to increase opportunities in the country to that they are translated into opportunities for our people to ensure better employment in the future," he added.
Amir said 13MP was extensive and covered various aspects of the economy, including social and environmental wellbeing of the nation.
He said that a more detailed breakdown and explanation of the 13MP would be done in due time.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi described the tabling of 13MP was at a crucial juncture with regard to the nation's overall wellbeing.
"13MP tabled by the Prime Minister comes when the nation is faced with uncertainty in the global economy and disruption to the supply chain, which challenges our competitiveness and welbeing of the rakyat," he said at the joint press conference.
He said that the high-growth high-value approach taken under 13MP involving strategic sectors would ensure not only sustainable economic growth for the nation but one that was inclusive and equitable.
Ahmad Zahid also said that 13MP would help ensure that those undergoing TVET programmes would not only enjoy minimum wages for but premium wages based on their skills.
"This will give added value to our educational ecosystem and marketability of the workforce in the country," he said.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Central Disaster Management Committee chairman, also said it was significant that RM20bil was allocated to flood mitigation projects and AI-based early warning systems to better prepare the nation's when faced with such natural disasters.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said that the setting up of a Halal Commission and halal parks in Melaka, Perak and Kelantan would help achieve the RM80bil halal export target under 13MP.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said that 13MP took into account the energy and water needed for the development of the nation while ensuring the welbeing of the rakyat.
"The is why 13MP is taking a new approach our energy needs through more innovative mechanisms," he said.
This includes managing the nation's energy needs including its efficient usage by the rakyat, he added.
He said this included seeking better renewable energy sources, which are more environmentally friendly.
"Currently, the country is relying on solar and other sources for energy and we need to find a more clean and feasible energy source.
"That is why nuclear energy is an energy source which we are considering," he added.
On Sabah and Sarawak, Fadillah said 13MP also ensured then continued development of the Pan Borneo highway including other infrastructure projects.