Some Budget concerns

THE Budget refers. How does the government intend to dish out some RM280 billion with less revenue from the goods and services Tax (GST) which will exclude a huge chunk of spending from the construction of houses of worship by charities, to even the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) businesses.
The government projects an increase in GST revenue even with more exclusions. How?
The same applies to income tax revenue. The prime minister said there will be a 2% reduction for those earning below RM9,000. And yet, the projection shows a growth in income tax revenue, albeit 2% lower compared to 2017.
I applaud the move to get people back to reading by offering GST exclusions on magazines and comics and the handing out of book vouchers.
I have issues with the abolished toll. The Batu Tiga and Sungai Rasau tolls have been a bane for Shah Alam and Klang residents. I'm sure many are celebrating but there's a catch – all other tolls handled by the concessionaire will be extended.
I'm glad that the government increased the budget for medical supplies from RM4 billion to RM4.1 billion. But is this not the same amount spent in 2017; the budgeted amount plus the March supplementary bill?
What is the Ministry of Health changing to avoid shortages in 2018, as happened this year?
There are a lot of great things in the Budget, including increasing funds for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission back to 2016 levels, higher allocation for scholarships and increasing discounts for PTPTN loans, and even the increased spending in agriculture to promote food security.
Read the budget carefully, ask questions and add more ideas to be included in the amendments.
Hafidz Baharom
Petaling Jaya