KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 1 (Bernama) — The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) is a comprehensive development plan designed to balance development and economic growth between regions, including Sabah and Sarawak, said Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.
He said 13MP is not just continuing existing development projects, but rather introducing new initiatives to boost regional development as a whole.
“In the 13MP, our priority is to ensure balanced development, not just across existing segments, but also by reducing the gap between urban and rural areas, and between regions,” he said during Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara programme titled ‘RMK13: Melakar Semula Pembangunan’ (13MP: Redesigning Development), last night.
Amir Hamzah, who is also acting Economy Minister, said that several new industries will be introduced under 13MP, including projects involving carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) technology, and the development of the hydrogen industry in states such as Terengganu and Sarawak.
“For example, we plan to establish a CCUS hub on the east coast, specifically in Terengganu, as well as in Sarawak. Hydrogen will also be a new industry, with both Sarawak and Terengganu identified for its development,” he said.
He added that Sabah has the potential to become a major hub for the blue economy through the tourism sector and maritime resources.
“If we consider the blue economy, leveraging tourism and marine (resources), Sabah is well-positioned to become a key hub in this sector. This has also been incorporated into 13MP,” he said.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim presented the 13MP in the Dewan Rakyat, outlining three key pillars: the establishment of a sovereign and dignified nation, the development of a people-centred MADANI social system, and a strategic transition toward an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven economy.
Meanwhile, Amir Hamzah said that the concept of social mobility is a key focus in the 13MP, aimed at ensuring that people genuinely benefit from the nation’s development and economic growth.
“…because if we generate growth and stimulate the economy, but the people don’t feel its impact, then it is not a balanced plan. We are all working to uplift the dignity and socio-economic status of the people, so they can truly experience the progress that aligns with Malaysia’s overall development,” he said.
According to him, the 13MP also focuses on increasing job opportunities and workforce reform, including the implementation of a more progressive minimum wage based on workers’ skill levels, in addition to encouraging the industry to restructure its payroll system.
He said that labour reform is a key component of the 13MP, with the government aiming to move away from a single-tier minimum wage system in favour of a structure that reflects workers’ skill levels.
He added that industries are also being encouraged to adopt this approach in their compensation systems.
— BERNAMA
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