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Tuesday, November 9, 2021

Good ventilation curbs the spread of Covid-19, Virus spreads easier in low humidity environment, Incentives to improve premises

 Source: Human Resources Ministry and Health Ministry Source: Human Resources Ministry and Health Ministry

> Increase outside air ventilation. > Increase air filtration.

> Adjust or reconfigure air flows.

2. Administrative Controls

> Reduce crowd or occupancy. > Limit the use of small spaces that are shared.

3. Reconfiguration Of Building Spaces And Furnishings

> Use partitions to reduce risks of transmission and minimise direct

Having good ventilation at business premises can help reduce contaminants in the air and curb the spread of Covid-19, say health experts.

Universiti Malaya public health medicine specialist Prof Dr Victor Hoe said good ventilation would not only prevent infectious diseases and reduce sickness, but also improve morale and productivity.

Dr Hoe said people are usually enclosed inside buildings without fresh air.

“They are recirculating the air and the reason is to conserve energy as the cost of cooling fresh air is higher than recirculating cool air,” he said when contacted.

He added that businesses should not hastily decide to change their ventilation system without consulting with experts.

“While many people have recommended opening windows to allow fresh air into the building, this will alter the air flow. The air from the outside is usually warmer than the air in the building.

“Mixing cool and warmer air will generate moisture and this will increase the chances of fungal formation in the ventilation system.

“Fungal issues are as bad if not worse than the Covid-19 pandemic. The other issue with moisture is that it will affect electronic systems,” he said.

As such, to ensure good ventilation, Dr Hoe said the air exchange per hour (ACH) should be increased.

“In a normal office that uses a centralised air conditioning system, the ACH is usually between four and six air changes in an hour.

“At this rate, the time required for removal of 99% of the contaminants in the room is between 69 and 46 minutes.

“To improve the ACH, we can install Hepa (high-efficiency particulate absorbing) filters which can increase the ACH to 10, reducing the time it takes to remove contaminants from 46 to 28 minutes,” he said.

Dr Hoe reminded businesses that ventilation improvements would only reduce Covid-19 risk but could not eliminate it entirely.

Medical Practitioners Coalition Association of Malaysia president Dr Raj Kumar Maharajah said having good ventilation is not just good for business entities but also for homes.

He said a good ventilation system could help prevent virus particles from accumulating in the air.

“Good ventilation, along with other preventive actions, like staying 2m apart and wearing masks can help prevent you from getting and spreading Covid-19,” he added.

To have better ventilation, Dr Raj suggested that there should be, among others, an increase in ventilation and enhanced air exchanges, as well as exhaust fans.

For those in enclosed spaces, he recommended they consider having portable air cleaners for localised air cleaning.

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (Ashrae) Malaysia chapter president Ng Wen Bin said ensuring proper ventilation with outside air could help reduce the concentration of airborne contaminants, including viruses, indoors.

“Proper ventilation also reduces surface contamination by removing some virus particles before they can fall out of the air and land on surfaces. However, by itself, increasing ventilation is not enough to protect people from Covid-19.

“But when used along with other best practices recommended by Ashrae and others, increasing ventilation can be part of a plan to protect people indoors,” he said.

As most schools, offices, and commercial buildings have air conditioning and mechanical ventilation (ACMV) systems with filters, Ng said increasing ventilation and filtration was usually appropriate.

But due to the complexity and diversity of building types, sizes, construction styles, ACMV system components, and other features, he said a professional should interpret Ashrae guidelines for their specific building and circumstances.

“Increasing ventilation may not always be possible or practical. In such cases, the effective rate of ventilation per person can be increased by limiting the number of people present in the building in general, or in specific rooms,” he said.

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Virus spreads easier in low humidity environment 

 

GEORGE TOWN: Any virus will spread more easily in an air-conditioned environment, where humidity will be much lower, says an expert.

USM virology scientist Dr Muhammad Amir Yunus said typically, the humidity in air-conditioned spaces would be low and this contributed to the transmission of viruses in droplets.

“Relative humidity will affect the transmission of airborne virus on top of poor ventilation.

“High humidity can partially inhibit the travel of viruses in droplets and aerosols,” he said.

Dr Muhammad Amir said he was not aware of any hard and fast rules on the value of ventilation to prevent the transmission of viruses.

He, however, pointed out that there was direct correlation between poor ventilation and carbon dioxide levels.

“Higher carbon dioxide levels can be used as an indicator for poor ventilation or air circulation indoors,” he said.

He said the recent announcement on the tax-exempted expenses for renovations and refurbishments of premises would definitely be beneficial.

“The system is not cheap. It involves many components.

“The tax cut will encourage businesses to pay attention to this aspect, which very directly relates to public safety,” he said.

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Incentives to improve premises 

 Business groups want a clearer picture on tax deduction for renovations


PETALING JAYA: Business groups are seeking a clearer picture on the tax incentive meant for them to renovate and refurbish their premises, which they say is helpful to ensure that their ventilation can be upgraded.

Malaysian Retailers Association vice-president Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin hoped the criteria to enjoy the tax benefit would not be so strict.

“It should be very simple so that any improvement, however small, would benefit the consumers.

“Most of the larger shopping centres comply with the ventilation requirements as they are required to do so, but this incentive will be useful for smaller retailers or older hypermarkets which may not have complied with the new ventilation requirements,” he said when contacted yesterday.

On Nov 5, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin pointed out that under Budget 2022, the government has extended the tax incentive for the renovation and refurbishment of business premises.

He said that this would allow more businesses to invest in good ventilation to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Under Budget 2022, the government extended the tax deduction of up to RM300,000 on the cost for renovating and refurbishing business premises until Dec 31, 2022, in order to comply with requirements such as ventilation and customer seating.

However, Ameer pointed out that the incentive should not just include ventilation but also general refurbishments as it was equally important.

“This will be good for the older malls to be able to spend some money to become more competitive. This can perhaps be used to make the shopping centre not just be refurbished in a normal way but with the added technology to give customers a better experience,” he said.

Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (Presma) president Datuk Jawahar Ali Taib Khan concurred that the tax incentive would be helpful for restaurant owners.

But he said they remained unclear on the criteria to get the tax incentive.

“We are not sure, so we hope the government will give a clear explanation on how to plan for this ventilation,” he said.

Jawahar suggested that the government give a special grant to outlet owners to purchase ventilation equipment that is suitable for them.

“The local authorities should also make the application easier for outlet owners to do renovation by not asking unnecessary documents and charging us exorbitantly,” he said.

He said outlet owners should also not be charged a fee for placing chairs and tables at the five-footway in front of restaurants, especially corner lots, which does not pose a hindrance to the public as this would help customers sit in open spaces.

“Enforcement officers should not take this as an opportunity to summon outlet owners,” he said.

Malaysian Association of Hotels chief executive officer Yap Lip Seng said the industry welcomed any form of tax deduction, incentives or allowances.

However, Yap said they hoped that this tax incentive could be applied on top of any other existing incentives to ease the burden on the upgrading expenses, particularly in ensuring public safety and hygiene.

SME president Ding Hong Sing said any incentive from the government should be translated into action, noting that their focus right now was on ensuring the survival of businesses.

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PUBLIC AREA SETTING 

 1. Engineering Controls

Source: Human Resources Ministry and Health Ministry Source: Human Resources Ministry and Health Ministry

> Increase outside air ventilation. > Increase air filtration.

> Adjust or reconfigure air flows.

2. Administrative Controls

> Reduce crowd or occupancy. > Limit the use of small spaces that are shared.

3. Reconfiguration Of Building Spaces And Furnishings

> Use partitions to reduce risks of transmission and minimise direct 

 

Incentives to improve premises

PETALING JAYA: Business groups are looking for a clearer picture of the tax incentive for them to renovate and renovate their premises, which they say is helpful in ensuring that their ventilation can be upgraded.

Vice President of the Malaysian Retailers Association Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin hoped that the criteria for enjoying the tax benefit would not be so strict. “It should be very simple so that all improvements, no matter how small, would benefit consumers.

“Most of the larger malls meet the ventilation requirements because they are required to do so, but this incentive will be useful for smaller retailers or older supermarkets that may not have met the new ventilation requirements,” he said when contacted yesterday.

On November 5, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin pointed out that under budget 2022, the government has extended the tax incentive for renovation and refurbishment of business premises.

CLICK TO ENLARGECLICK TO ENLARGE

He said this would enable more companies to invest in good ventilation to slow down the spread of Covid-19.

According to Budget 2022, the government extended the tax deduction of up to RM 300,000 on the cost of renovation and refurbishment of business premises until 31 December 2022, in order to meet requirements such as ventilation and customer seats.

However, Ameer pointed out that the incentive should not only include ventilation but also general renovations as it was equally important.

“This will be good for the older malls to be able to spend some money to become more competitive. This can perhaps be used to get the shopping center not only to be renovated in a normal way but with the extra technology to give customers a better experience, ”he said.

Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (Presma) President Datuk Jawahar Ali Taib Khan agreed that the tax incentive would be helpful to restaurant owners.

But he said they remained unclear about the criteria for obtaining the tax incentive.

“We are not sure, so we hope the government will provide a clear explanation of how to plan for this ventilation,” he said.

Jawahar suggested that the government make a special contribution to outlet owners to buy ventilation equipment that is suitable for them.

“Local authorities should also make the application easier for store owners to do renovations by not requesting unnecessary documents and charging us unreasonably,” he said.

He also said that shop owners should not be charged a fee for placing chairs and tables on the five-foot road in front of restaurants, especially corner areas, which does not constitute an obstacle for the public as this would help customers sit in open spaces.

“Authorities should not take this as an opportunity to call out store owners,” he said.

Malaysian Association of Hotels CEO Yap Lip Seng said the industry welcomed all forms of tax deductions, incentives or compensation.

However, Yap said they hoped this tax incentive could be applied on top of all other existing incentives to ease the burden of upgrading costs, in particular to ensure public safety and hygiene.

SME President Ding Hong Sing said all government incentives should be put into action, noting that their focus right now was on ensuring corporate survival.

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Thursday, November 4, 2021

Big dreams of becoming a global cryto hub

Singapore plans to emerge as key player

Easing restrictions: A representation of the virtual cryptocurrency bitcoin. The Monetary Authority of Singapore is against clamping down on crypto. — Reuters

 SINGAPORE: Singapore is seeking to cement itself as a key player for cryptocurrency-related businesses as financial centres around the world grapple with approaches to handle one of the fastest growing areas of finance.

“We think the best approach is not to clamp down or ban these things,” said Ravi Menon, managing director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), which regulates banks and financial firms.

Instead, MAS is putting in place “strong regulation”, so firms that meet its requirements and address the multitude of risks can operate, he said in an interview.

Nations differ vastly when it comes to how they handle crypto: China has cracked down on large amounts of activity in recent months, Japan only recently allowed dedicated crypto investment funds – though El Salvador has embraced bitcoin as legal tender.

In the United States, while there are an abundance of options for investing in the burgeoning asset class, regulators are concerned about everything from stablecoins to yield-generating products.

“With crypto-based activities, it is basically an investment in a prospective future, the shape of which is not clear at this point,” said Menon, who has helmed the MAS for about a decade.

“But not to get into this game, I think risks Singapore being left behind. Getting early into that game means we can have a head start, and better understand its potential benefits as well as its risks.”

The stakes are high for the small island nation, which has already earned a reputation as a global wealth hub. Singapore must raise its safeguards to counter risks including illicit flows, Menon said.

The city state is “interested in developing crypto technology, understanding blockchain, smart contracts and preparing ourselves for a Web 3.0 world,” he said, referring to the third generation of online services, which will be a key theme during the Singapore Fintech Festival that MAS will host next week.

Menon acknowledged that banks and other financial institutions will face certain challenges with the decentralisation of finance. Still, Singapore wants to be “well positioned” for 2030 when “an economy of tokenisation” may come, he said.

Singapore isn’t the only place with crypto ambitions. Locations as diverse as Dubai, Miami, El Salvador, Malta and Zug in Switzerland, are also making efforts.

It can be a fine line to tread, given the crypto industry grew up with few regulations, so many players balk at government officials’ attempts to impose guardrails.

Singapore’s approach has attracted crypto firms from Binance Holdings Ltd, which has had a series of run-ins with regulators around the world, to Gemini, a US operator targeting institutional investors, to set up base.

Some 170 companies applied for a MAS licence, taking the total number of firms seeking to operate under its Payment Services Act to about 400, after the law came into effect in January 2020.

Since then, only three crypto firms have received the much-coveted licences, while two were rejected. About 30 withdrew their application after engaging with the regulator. 

Among those approved is the brokerage arm of DBS Group Holdings Ltd, Singapore’s largest bank, which is also a pioneer in setting up a platform for trading of digital tokens while offering tokenisation services.

The regulator is taking time to assess applicants to ensure that they meet its high requirements, Menon said. The MAS has also boosted resources to cope with high volumes of prospective services operators, he said.

“We don’t need 160 of them to set up shop here. Half of them can do so, but with very high standards, that I think is a better outcome,” he said.

Menon said the benefits of having a well-regulated local crypto industry could also extend beyond the financial sector.

“If and when a crypto economy takes off in a way, we want to be one of the leading players,” he said.

“It could help create jobs, create value-add, and I think more than the financial sector, the other sectors of the economy will potentially gain.” — Bloomberg

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On top for a third year running | The Star

 

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How Malaysia Budget 2022 Can Drive Your Business Forward? Forum 5 Nov 2021 . 3pm ~ 4:30pm


REGISTER NOW

Session 1 : #SOS: How Budget 2022 Can Drive Your Business Forward

The session will address:
– SME portfolio financial restructuring
– How the Government’s 2022 budget can help you rebuild or drive your business forward
– Government’s focus in strengthening public healthcare, rebuilding socio-economic and economic resilience

Speakers:
1) Datuk Dr. AT Kumararajah , Secretary General, MAICCI
2) Jenny Hoh, Vice President of SME Advisory and Marketing, CGC
3) Yip How Nang, Head of SME Banking, RHB Bank Berhad

Session 2 : #SOS: How Budget 2022 Can Drive Your Business Forward

This session will address:
– Strategies for effective budget planning 2022
– Reopening of all sectors – What’s next? Is this the right time to invest or expand your businesses?
– Government’s focus on enhancing digital infrastructure. How can SMEs benefit?

Speakers:
1) Shirley Tay, President, MRCA
2) Pang Kong Chek, Chief FInancial Officer, PKT Logistics Group Sdn Bhd
3) Kevin Lee, Head of SME, Maxis Business

REGISTER NOW

For SOBA enquiries, email soba@thestar.com.my or call 017-231 1789.

SOBA Website : www.soba.com.my

 

Related:

 

Helping SMEs drive their business forward | The Star


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    The theme for Budget 2022 is "Keluarga Malaysia, makmur sejahtera" (Malaysian family, prosperous and peaceful).  Finance Minis...

Tuesday, November 2, 2021

Covid-19 self-test kits going for as low as RM6.90 per unit

 

https://assets.theedgemarkets.com/test1.jpg?pUGfh41asPkN5epuyolysKroiuYGYSGY

 Covid-19 self-test kits now available for as low as RM6.90

Covid-19 self-test kits now available for as low as RM6.90 -A +A

SEPANG (Nov 1): The Covid-19 self-test kit is available for as low as RM6.90 a unit, said Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.

He said this followed the move to expand the sale of the test kit to supermarkets, convenience store networks and petrol stations in stages.

“The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) was told the prices offered at supermarkets and convenient stores are as low as RM6.90 each while, KK Supermart is selling them for only RM6.60 each.

“This is surely very good news to consumers in the light of the situation today,” he said when launching the Covid-19 self-test kit sales at KK Supermart in KL International Airport 2 (klia) and inspecting the 2021 Deepavali Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme, here on Monday.

Prior to this, the Covid-19 self-test kits received conditional approval from the Malaysian Device Authority (MDA) to be sold at selected clinics and pharmacies.

The government had fixed the maximum retail price for Covid-19 self-test kit at RM19.90 per unit and wholesale price at RM16 a unit effective Sept 5.

Nanta said the decision of the government to expand the sales of the Covid-19 self-test kit would bring down the price with the readiness of stock and through competition in the retail sector.

As of Oct 28, he said 2,570 business premises nationwide had been approved to sell the Covid-19 self-test kits whereby 494 are under KK Supermart & Superstore Sdn Bhd including at klia2.

On the new ceiling price of the Covid-19 self-test kit, Nanta said it would be announced soon and its determination would take into account all aspects including the interest of consumers and traders.

“The business environment must be centred on supply and demand. It is not necessary for the government to use its power to restrict and regulate,” he added.

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Friday, October 29, 2021

Malaysia Budget 2022

 


 The theme for Budget 2022 is "Keluarga Malaysia, makmur sejahtera" (Malaysian family, prosperous and peaceful). 

Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz said it is based on three core concepts "rakyat yang sejahtera" (people's wellbeing), resilient businesses and a prosperous economy.

Screengrab from the live broadcast of the Budget 2022 speech from Parliament on Oct 29, 2021.

PETALING JAYA: Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz has started delivering his Budget 2022 speech in Parliament here on Friday (Oct 29).

The Finance Minister is expected to deliver a Budget in line with the Malaysian Family concept, which will concentrate on the country's recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic.

On Wednesday (Oct 27) Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said Budget 2022 was from the people, by the people, for the people and would be of high impact for all layers of society and businesses.

Ismail Sabri said Budget 2022 would also generate more jobs to tackle unemployment and enable the recovery process to return the country and its economy to the pre-Covid-19 pandemic with new norms in place.

He added that Budget 2022 was drawn up carefully and comprehensively, taking into account the views of all quarters, including Opposition parties.

Here are the highlights of the Budget 2022 speech as they are delivered:

Budget 2022 allocation

Budget 2022 has a total allocation of RM332.1bil, the largest-ever for the country. This surpasses Budget 2021 allocation of of RM322.54bil.

Tengku Zafrul said this involves RM233.5bil in administrative expenses, RM75.6bil in development, RM23bil for the Covid-19 fund and RM2bil for unexpected expenses.

Family focus

The Bantuan Keluarga Malaysia outlined in Budget 2022 will benefit over 9.6 million recipients with an allocation of RM8.2bil.

Households with three children or more with household income less than RM2,500 will receive RM2,000 in aid. An extra RM500 will be given to for single mothers/fathers with dependents and monthly income of up to RM5,000. This means single mothers/fathers with three children and above are entitled to a maximum RM2,500 in aid.

An additional allocation of RM300 will be given to senior citizens.

Overall, RM2.4bil in welfare aid is allocated to benefit over 440,000 households.

Education first

Education gets the biggest slice of the pie in Budget 2022 with RM52.6bil for the Education Ministry and RM14.5bil for the Higher Education Ministry.

Tengku Zafrul said this includes RM450mil in aid to be provided to three million students.

Health matters

Health Ministry gets an allocation of 32.4bil, the second-largest after the Education Ministry.

From the allocation, RM2bil will be channeled to purchase of vaccines and RM2bil for additional Covid-19 expenses.

He added that the government would be purchasing another 88 million doses of vaccines, which includes the third dose for children between the ages of 12 and 17.

PTPTN repayment incentives

Government to give discounts to PTPTN borrowers for payments from Nov 1 to April 30.

Borrowers will get a 15% discount for full settlement; 12% for payments of at least 50% of the outstanding balance in a single payment. Those who make repayments through salary deduction or scheduled direct debit will get a 10% discount.

Just for jobs

Allocation of RM4.8bil to create 600,000 job opportunities under the JaminKerja initative.

With a target of 300,000 hires, the initiative will offer incentives to employers such as 20% of the first six months' pay, and 30% of the following six months pay for hired employees making above RM1,500.

Among others, RM1.1bil has been allocated for training and upskilling programmes for 220,000 trainees.

The Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector will receive an allocation of RM6.6bil under Budget 2022.

Tengku Zafrul said the focus is on eeting industry needs and an additional allocation of RM200mil has been allocated for joint venture programmes with industries.

Boosting healthy lifestyles

There will be an excise duty imposed on nicotine-based gel or liquid products for vaping and electronic cigarettes, says the Finance Minister.

"Towards a healthy lifestyle the government plans to broaden the scope of excise duty to include premix sugary drinks made from chocolate, malt, coffee and tea," said Tengku Zafrul.

Women matters

The goverment will make it mandatory for all publicly-listed companies to appoint at least one woman to its board of directors.

Tengku Zafrul said RM5mil would also be allocated for the Women Leadership Foundation to encourage female participation in the economic sector.

Free self-hygiene kits will be given to young women in the B40 category monthly, which will benefit some 130,000 youths nationwide.

Tengku Zafrul added that RM11mil would be allocated for free mammogram and cervix examinations.

New villages

A total of RM200mil has been allocated for the Chinese community, among them for the purpose of upgrading Chinese new villages, as well as financing schemes for the small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

RM145mil has been set aside for the Indian community, among them for the implementation of programmes to strengthen the community's social economy through Tekun Nasional, the national Entrepreneurial Group Economic Fund, under the Indian Entrepreneurs Development Scheme.

Levelling up eSports

To push the eSports industry in the country, RM20mill will be allocated under Budget 2022.

This includes RM5mil to develop an excellence centre for drone sports in the country.

Housing for all

RM1.5bil has been allocated for continuing low-cost housing projects. Another RM2bil allocated for housing credit guarantee scheme to help those without a stable income to buy a house.

Tengku Zafrul also said the government would no longer impose the real property gains tax (RPGT) on Malaysians, permanent residents and companies when they dispose of their real property assets from the sixth year onwards.

For sporting excellence

To further improve the national Paralympics team, the National Sports Council (NSC) will receive a RM10mil allocation. This is to enhance training programs and organise leagues for various sports to prepare for the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

RM158mil will be allocated to renovate, enhance and build sporting facilities around the country.

RM50mil will be allocated to encourage people to continue leading an active lifestyle.

Cash in hand

Employees’ contribution rate to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) that was reduced to 9% in 2020 will remain until June 2022.

Boost for youths

A RM300mil allocation to provide RM150 in credit into eWallets of youth aged 18 to 20 who are students at institutions of higher learning.

Lower vehicular taxes continue

To reduce the cost of vehicle ownership, the government will extend the 100% sales tax exemption on completely knocked down (CKD, locally-assembled) passenger vehicles and 50% on completely built-up (CBU, imported cars) including MPVs and SUVs for six months until June 30, 2022.

The exemption was introduced by the government in 2020 to drive sales in the automotive sector which was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Defending the nation

The Defence Ministry will get an allocation of RM16bil, of which RM1.6bil is to upgrade the readiness of main assets of the Armed Forces. This allocation also involves RM14mil to replace main equipment of Naval Special Forces (Paskal) and Air Force Special Forces (Paskau) such as parachutes, closed-circuit diving equipment and boats.

e-vehicles to get a power up

Tengku Zafrul said the government sees the potential of electronic vehicles (EV) to minimise pollution, and therefore plans to give up to 100% exemption of import and excise duties as well as sales tax.

Road tax exemptions of up to 100% will also be given out for electronic cars.

Tax relief of up to RM2,500 will be given for the purchase, assembly, renting and leasing of EVs.

Tourism budget

A total of RM1.6bil has been allocated for the tourism industry. RM600mil will be allocated under the Penjana Tourism Financing dan BPMB Rehabilitation Scheme while RM85mil will be go towards a three-month special assistance for over 20,000 tourism operators.

Zafrul also announced matching grants for the purpose of the renovation of budget hotels and homestays, with an allocation of RM30mil.

To spur domestic tourism, the RM1,000 tax rebate will be extended until 2022.

Sabah and Sarawak

The two states will receive increased development allocations of RM5.2bil and RM4.6bil respectively under Budget 2022.

Fisheries and agriculture

RM1.7bil allocated for the various incentives and subsidies for the fisheries and agriculture industries.

Please folllow The Star's coverage of Budget 2022 here.

Click on the logo to see the full text of Tengku Zafrul's Budget 2022 speech in Malay.Click on the logo to see the full text of Tengku Zafrul's Budget 2022 speech in Malay.