Kuala lumpur: The MADANI Government continues to prioritise inclusive and responsive social development in efforts to uplift the quality of life for the people under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the document released by the Ministry of Economy today outlines efforts that will be intensified through four key measures: tackling the cost-of-living burden, reengineering the social system based on Insan MADANI, improving quality of life, and empowering target groups to achieve a decent standard of living.
The strategies and initiatives outlined in 13MP aim to sustain full employment levels and increase the contribution of employee compensation to the Gross Domestic Product by 40 percent in 2030. These strategies could also contribute to Malaysia achieving the 25th position in the Human Development Index and a 60 percent women’s participation in the labour force after a decade of the introduction of the MADANI Economy framework.
In addressing the living cost burden, the government is focusing on the issue of rising food prices. A comprehensive approach will be taken to tackle this by upgrading infrastructure, strengthening the food supply chain and retail sector, and providing platforms to enhance price transparency. Enforcement efforts will be amplified, and relevant laws will be reviewed to curb price manipulation activities. Initiatives such as the MADANI Rahmah Sale programme will be expanded to offer goods and services, especially food products, at affordable prices in more suitable localities, particularly in rural areas.
Through the Rakan KKM initiative, healthcare services will be enhanced, allowing private companies to obtain paid services at public healthcare facilities. Health insurance and takaful products will be introduced to make services more affordable. More quality affordable housing will also be provided for low- and middle-income groups in urban areas through the Residensi MADANI and Residensi Rakyat programmes, alongside the expansion of the rent-to-own scheme.
A comprehensive wage adjustment will be implemented, including periodic reviews of the minimum wage and setting of entry-level salaries for graduates, including those from Technical and Vocational Training (TVET) institutions. The full implementation of the progressive wage policy will be enforced, and the private sector will be encouraged to offer a reasonable minimum wage.
In reengineering the social system based on Insan MADANI, the government will focus on education reform. This includes making preschool education mandatory at the age of five and beginning primary education at the age of six. English will form part of the medium of instruction and communication for lower primary pupils, and the teaching of additional languages will be expanded to primary schools.
Efforts to improve the people’s quality of life will focus on strengthening food security, housing, health, and labour reforms, safeguarding environmental health, enhancing security and defence, and preparing the nation for its transition into an ageing society.
The implementation of the Bumiputera empowerment agenda will be accelerated through a whole-of-nation approach aimed at increasing Bumiputera participation, ownership, and control. Bumiputera empowerment units across all ministries will be bolstered, and capacity-building programmes and financial support by Bumiputera-mandated agencies, state economic development corporations, and regional development authorities will be enhanced.
The standard of living for the Orang Asli community will be improved through the introduction of the Orang Asli Development Policy Action Plan and amendments to the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 (Act 134). A Customs Board will be established to enhance leadership effectiveness within the Orang Asli community. The socio-economic development of the Sabahans and Bumiputera communities in Sarawak will be strengthened through initiatives such as human capital empowerment, infrastructure improvement, and support for Native Customary Rights land development.