How much is the actual increase in Budget 2021 funding?

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The Actual Increase in Budget 2021 Funding Was RM7.8 Billion

Budget 2021 allocated a total of RM322.5 billion, marking an increase of RM7.8 billion from the RM314.7 billion provided in 2020. This adjustment occurred amidst an economic crisis described as the most severe since the Great Depression of the 1930s, impacting over 150 countries.
Budgetary Allocation Overview

The total allocation for Budget 2021 reached RM322.5 billion, which represents the largest sum ever allocated in history. However, when compared to the RM314.7 billion allocated in 2020, the actual increase amounts to RM7.8 billion. This figure translates to approximately RM240 per Malaysian for the entire year, or about RM20 per month.
Distribution and Impact of Funds

The distribution of funds followed a pattern of specific allocations to interest groups, government-linked companies, agencies, and ministries. This approach is noted to potentially lead to leakages and delays in funds reaching intended recipients, the general populace, or "rakyat." Measures such as income tax rate reductions, increased tax exemptions for medical costs, and enhancements to the Bantuan Prihatin Rakyat (BPR) were introduced, but their immediate impact on the needy is not expected to be rapid.
Employment Initiatives and Funding Concerns

The budget included a focus on unemployment and underemployment, with the establishment of a National Employment Council chaired by the Prime Minister. The extension of the wage subsidy scheme to sectors like retail and tourism aims to support 900,000 workers and their employers for a three-month period. The MySTEP programme intends to create 50,000 casual contract jobs in the public sector and GLCs, with an allocation exceeding RM700 million. However, the funding per recipient for these short-term roles is reported to be below living wage and poverty line benchmarks, suggesting a need for additional financial support to prevent the creation of low-paying positions.

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How much is the actual increase in Budget 2021 funding?

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