Extraordinary measures needed in Malaysia's 2017 Budget: analysts

Kuala Lumpur

MALAYSIA needs to proffer more out-of-the-box recommendations in its Budget 2017 if it is to deal with the challenges of globalisation and competitiveness, analysts said, ahead of Friday's tabling of the nation's plans for revenue and expenditure.

Beyond the standard proposals, policy measures that lead to higher economic growth and fairer income distribution have become imperative amid increasing disgruntlement over the soaring cost of living and the weak ringgit, they say. Gross domestic product (GDP) growth has moderated in the last four quarters, and the job market is tightening.