Budget gets mixed reactions from netizens

0

KOTA KINABALU: Social media users gave mixed reactions to the 2014 budget presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on Friday.

The newly proposed Goods and Services Tax (GST), which will take effect in 2015 at a rate of six per cent and the abolition of sugar subsidy with immediate effect have drawn the most negative reactions, while the most welcomed news is the increase of 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M).

The previous price of sugar was RM2.50 per kg, and starting yesterday (Saturday) it increased to RM2.84 per kg.

“I wonder how much birthday cake will cost me after this,” said Ida, a mother of two in her Facebook right after the budget was announced.

Meanwhile, Jefferi Chang, a member of Kota Kinabalu Facebook Consumer Group posted “as mentioned, the replacement of Sales and Service Tax with GST is intended to be revenue-neutral to the government coffers, so in theory, to consumers this may represent a minimal effect to the aggregate prices of everyday goods and services. Lets look at 3 scenarios to see what it means for prices, (1) for items charged with Service Tax, (2) for items charged with Sales Tax, and (3) for items with no Service or Sales Taxes.”

Chang also posted an article from http://savemoney.my/ entitled GST in Malaysia ?How the Goods and Services Tax affects You. The article explained about GST, why it being introduced, and what it means to the consumers.

In Twitter postings, hastag #Bajet2014 is still popular among it users. Even smokers are complaining  the overtaxed cigarettes, which is believed are not stopping people from smoking but will encourage them to switch from RM12 taxed cigarettes to RM3 illegal ones instead.

Those who are concerned with the environment, they believed the allocation for green technology is rather an open ended statement. It does not highlight what sector will be focused on such as energy, water, etc.

Another Twitter user suggested the government should give rebates for gyms or sports equipment to encourage healthy lifestyle instead of abolishing sugar subsidy with a reason of reducing diabetes.

With all the negative comments on the budget, there are a number of Twitter posts advising Malaysians to stop complaining and adapt with the changes.

On the BR1M increase, a Facebook user Angeline said next year will be her first time receiving the cash aid as she just turned 21 this year and currently earning RM500 a month as a cleaner in a government hospital.

Individuals aged 21 and above and with a monthly income not exceeding RM2,000 will be receiving RM300 BR1M compared to RM250 previously.

Meanwhile, another Facebook user said in her status “The opposition supporters are always talking bad about Barisan Nasional but they are the first ones who apply for BR1M. No shame. It’s called licking your own spit”.

The Facebook status however received mixed reactions from her friends. Some are supporting the statement and some are thinking it is rude and not respecting the taxpayers.

The other reactions on Facebook and Twitter are focusing on the housing and basic infrastructure in Sabah.

Some believed the new category of Rumah Mesra Rakyat introduced with sales price from RM45,000 to RM65,000 and subsidy of RM15,000 to RM20,000 is not enough for all new family in Sabah, and they are afraid the process of applications is not transparent.

Meanwhile, although the proposal to increase internet access in Sabah and Sarawak is good, but some believe that it is better to ensure the RM850 million allocation is used for providing clean water and good quality roads in the rural areas of the State.