BUDGET 2011

The Budget in brief

Toll highways and PPP projects

> The government plans to build six highways

> Toll rates on four highways owned by PLUS Expressway Berhad will not be increased for the next five years.

> Greater KL MRT to be implemented from 2011.

> A new 100-storey landmark, Warisan Merdeka, to be completed in 2020.

Tax incentives/hike

> Import duties for around 300 preferred consumer items to be abolished.

> Service tax to be imposed on paid television broadcasting services.

> Service tax for restaurants, hospitals and car rentals to be increased from 5% to 6%

> Sales tax will be exempted on all types of mobile phones.

Housing and Community

> Stamp duty exemption of 50% for first time house buyers on a house priced less than RM350,000

> RM350mil to implement various programmes to combat crime

Family and women

> RM70mil for programmes with selected NGOs to strengthen the family institution and address social ills.

> 40 1Malaysia TASKA to assist women to obtain quality childcare and early education for their children.

Civil service

> Maternity leave increased from 60 days, not to exceed 90 days for civil servants.

> Housing loan for civil servants increased to a maximum of RM450,000 from RM360,000 currently.

Education

> RM576mil allocated for scholarships for those wishing to further their studies.

> RM213mil allocated to enhance proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia and the English Language.

Health

> RM15.2bil to build new hospitals and increase the number of doctors, nurses and supplies of medicines and equipment.

> Another 25 1Malaysia Clinics will be established, bringing the total to 76.

Environment and green tech

> RM1.9bil to finance environmental preservation projects.

> To further encourage ownership of hybrid cars, import duty and excise duty exemption will be extended until Dec 31, 2011

Welfare

> RM100mil allocated to implement various orang asli programmes.

> RM218mil to benefit 80,000 disabled individuals through various programmes.