Gov't engages focus groups for feedback ahead of Budget 2017

KUALA LUMPUR: In view of the upcoming Budget 2017, a series of discussions are being held with various stakeholders in order to obtain their feedback into the formulation of the budget, said Finance Minister II Datuk Johari Abdul Ghani (pix).
"We are currently having discussions with stakeholders and focus groups and this will go on for about two months. In fact, I am chairing a focus group on the rising cost of living this Monday," he told reporters after the Aidilfitri and Independence Day celebrations organised by the Titiwangsa parliamentary constituency here today.
He said 20 focus groups comprising representatives from numerous sectors, including financial institutions, manufacturing and non-governmental organisations, have been set up and will be meeting the ministry and its budget team to consolidate feedback.
"It's not going to be easy for the government at this point of time since we have also seen a decline in economic growth globally which will also have a significant impact," Johari, who is Titiwangsa MP, added.
Commenting on the government's revenue loss of RM30 billion from the oil and gas sector due to the slump in prices, Johari said not only did direct tax suffer, but non oil and gas industries were also affected.
"This is normal, when one sector is affected, there will also be implications to other related industries," he explained, saying the government needs to "strike a balance" to deal with this.