PUTRAJAYA: The 2013 Budget takes into account the tastes of the young generation through the Youth Communication Package in line with the current digital era, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.
He said the rational in giving the one-off RM200 rebate for purchase of 3G Smartphone for youths aged 21 to 30 was to show the government’s appreciation for their contribution and to further enhance their capability.
“The Smartphone is also the in thing among the young people today in line with their improved lifestyle,” he said in an Online 2013 Budget Dialogue which could be viewed live through YouTube.
He was responding to a question by Asyraf Adlan an entrepreneur from Bukit Jelutong, Shah Alam, who wanted to know the government’s rationale in giving the RM200 rebate for the Smartphone purchase.
On the book voucher for Form Six and university students, Najib said the government felt it necessary to do so.
“It is useful because most books which the students need are very expensive and they have to share with their friends.
“So, we feel it is better to provide book vouchers so that they can buy the books,” he added.
In the 2013 Budget, the 1Malaysia book voucher has been increased to RM250, from RM200 previously. It involves an allocation of RM325 million and will benefit 1.3 million students nationwide.
Responding to a question on a 10 per cent a year discount given to those who make early settlement of their National Higher Education Fund (PTPTN) loan, which some quarters say is unfair, Najib said the government could not offer everything.
“We introduce that incentive as a permanent measure to get the borrowers to repay their loans so that other students can also borrow to further their studies,” he added. -Bernama