KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 20 — The Ministry of Finance (MOF) is analysing new proposals and suggestions from several parties for inclusion in Budget 2024 before it is tabled on October 13, 2023, said Deputy Finance Minister I Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.

He said the MoF has received feedback and proposals, including from various ministries, state governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), as well as individuals through its website.

"The other ministries had conducted their engagement sessions. Our staff has liaised with all ministries and state governments to obtain feedback on Budget 2024.

"The MoF is reviewing the feedback and requests from all parties, including requests related to development for Budget 2024,” he told Bernama after a Budget 2024 engagement session with the leadership of Wanita Umno and other NGOs today.

Ahmad said Budget 2024 will emphasise on efforts to improve the system used to channel government initiatives to ensure they reach and benefit the targeted groups.

"The government has implemented programmes and initiatives at the federal level for targetted groups, yet many have not benefitted from these programmes and initiatives. We will analyse the root cause and improve (the implementation),” he said.

The MoF also said it received feedback on improvements to existing government policies, such as the minimum wage policy, where several companies and enterprises said they were unable to meet the minimum wage level.

In August, Ahmad said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had instructed all ministries to hold engagement sessions on Budget 2024 starting from mid-August to September.

"The PM had instructed all ministers and deputy ministers to hold engagement sessions within their areas of responsibility to understand what is required at the ministerial level to improve the country’s development and aid distribution to the people,” he said.

The Budget will continue to focus on ensuring the people’s wellbeing by improving and enhancing aid distribution mechanisms and infrastructure development, he added. — Bernama