Malaysia pledges spending, green goals in five-year economic plan

Kuala Lumpur

MALAYSIAN Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob on Monday tabled a new five-year economic plan, boosting infrastructure spending and committing to a carbon tax under climate change goals as the country looks to chart its way out of a pandemic-induced slump.

Launching the 12th Malaysia Plan in Parliament, he said the country's financial position was expected to improve in 2023, with the economy targeted to grow 4.5-5.5 per cent per annum in the next five years.

Malaysia posted average annual growth of 2.7 per cent between 2016 and 2020, dragged down by a 5.6 per cent contraction last year due to the outbreak of Covid-19, the premier said.

Gross national income per capita rose to RM42,500 (S$13,732) in 2020, about 20 per cent lower than the level required to become a high-income country. Malaysia now expects to reach that target by 2025, said Mr Ismail.

"The 12th Malaysia Plan is a comprehensive development plan that will introduce a number of reforms to ensure sustainable economic growth and more equal distribution of opportunities and results," he said.

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Malaysia's export-driven economy has taken a hit from the coronavirus pandemic. The central bank slashed its full-year growth forecast to 3-4 per cent from 6-7.5 per cent last month - the second cut this year.

The government will spend RM400 billion on existing and new development projects between 2021 and 2025, compared with RM260 billion in the previous five-year plan, said Mr Ismail.

These include new highways and rail networks linking rural areas with urban and industrial hubs, more affordable housing, as well as improvements in health, education, and broadband connectivity.

Malaysia also aims to become a carbon neutral country by 2050, said the premier, adding that economic instruments such as carbon pricing and a carbon tax will be introduced.

The government also pledged to stop building coal-fired power stations, as it continues its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions intensity of gross domestic product by 45 per cent in 2030.

Other promises included plans to reduce the country's dependence on foreign labour, provide support to small and medium-sized businesses, and turn Malaysia into a regional investment hub. REUTERS