• 21 hours ago
In tabling Budget 2025 in Parliament on Friday (Oct 18), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim started his speech by relating how he went down to grassroots to find out what the people want the government to improve their livelihood.

He announced, among others, RM2mil allocations to repair eroded river banks in Kapit, Sarawak and RM13mil to repair infrastructure and schools damaged by the recent floods in Alor Star, Kedah.

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Transcript
00:00The framework of economic policy, including education, is very often based on the views of the elite, economic managers, smart people, and dialogue with entrepreneurs, industry and representatives, as well as small businesses.
00:17However, this does not negate the fact that many of the lessons I have learned from my visits to Akar Umbi.
00:26Visits to meet the people of Akar Umbi have made an impact, and even helped us understand the problems of the people and reduce spending this year.
00:35We have witnessed the problems of the people due to flooding, education, health, and social impact.
00:42This problem is severe. If it is solved, it is a macrocosm of a wider problem.
00:50As a result, in addition to the macroeconomic framework, the critical question is how the excellent foundation and sophisticated framework will benefit the people.
01:03I went to Felda Lahad Datu, Sabah, two months ago, to monitor an area that was once threatened by the flooding in Tando.
01:11The story of the incident is fresh. The victims were from Semenanjung, Sabah, and Sarawak.
01:27I faced a problem that arose in Tambisan due to the claim of land rights.
01:39I see the need to increase the ease of national schools there.
01:45I also visited the Siti Khadijah market in Baru, Kelantan.
01:49I saw for myself the condition of the market, which is in a state of chaos.
01:53And some basic problems such as roofing, toilets, electricity and water supply, which continue to constrain the people and businesses.
02:01In addition to the threat of flooding.
02:05However, their spirit is extremely strong.
02:08And this is one of the ten businesses in the market that I visited, which stated that they feel comfortable working.
02:21Of course, they ask for help, but they feel more comfortable because the price of the goods they buy from the talent is much cheaper.
02:33This is one of the markets that told me that they are satisfied because the goods they buy are cheap and are sold at a cheaper price than other cities.
02:47Therefore, I immediately announced the allocation of Rp 5.5 million to improve the iconic market and get cooperation from the state government.
03:00My visit to Kapit, Sarawak.
03:05Examine the progress of several projects, including the development of Kapit IPD and the road that we have completed and have begun to work on.
03:15Kapit is a remote and poor area.
03:19However, I was touched when a mother from the village ran up close to present a life vest made by herself from her own beads and embroidery.
03:34The Iban community leader gave me a bright and impressive traditional dress and admired Aziza.
03:42It turned out that the spirit was as strong as the roots and walked to the roots of the umbi.
03:51At the end of the event, I visited Robert's long house, wearing shoes to meet the leader of the house except local communities.
04:02In addition, I saw the river embroidery that was requested for a long time, but they were frustrated because the embroidery was close to their long house.
04:14Therefore, I immediately allocated Rp 2 million to work on the embroidery problem.
04:22So, the flood must also destroy the plants.
04:27In fact, the most affected in all flood problems is the poor group because they always live on the banks of the river.
04:40Therefore, I did not lose to LOSTA.
04:43According to the agencies, I agreed to spend Rp 13 million to improve the infrastructure, school facilities, and assistance to the affected people and farmers.
05:10Thank you for watching the video.

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