Budget 2025: 'Something special hopes to be good news, not just empty promises'
It is indeed fitting for the government to provide incentives to firefighters as a token of appreciation for their willingness to sacrifice and risk their lives to save others.
SHAH ALAM - The ‘something special’ that will be announced by the Housing and Local Government Ministry, during the 2025 Budget is undoubtedly a topic of speculation and anticipation, especially among the Malaysian public and the Fire and Rescue Department personnel.
Many of the members hoped that the ‘good news’ would truly bring them happiness, rather than being just another empty promise.
It is indeed fitting for the government to provide incentives to firefighters as a token of appreciation for their willingness to sacrifice and risk their lives to save others.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said that it was part of 33 financial initiatives proposed by his ministry to the Finance Ministry for consideration.
He said further announcements on the matter would be made as soon as confirmation is received through the budget, which is set to be presented this Oct.
"I am confident that the 2025 Budget will steer the country towards a more robust and stable direction.
“I am aware that the Housing and Local Government Ministry has submitted 33 financial initiatives, including various interesting initiatives like the Madani Deposit, but I think it is not the time for me to comment as these proposals are on the Finance Minister's table for consideration.
"Next year, not long from now, I will announce some good news as a result of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's diplomatic efforts with the government of China. Wait for the good news, I will announce it," he said.
Meanwhile, Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) former president Datuk Azih Muda, urged the government to review the salaries of Fire and Rescue Department personnel, as their current earnings do not match the scope of work they perform.
He added that these uniformed personnel should receive better wages compared to other civil servants.
"The salaries paid to firefighters are the same as those for other civil servants, even though they serve in all situations and are on standby 24 hours a day in case of emergencies," he said.
The Madani Budget 2025 presentation is scheduled for Oct 18.
