Malaysia's 2018 budget reflects the Government's focus on innovation, digitization, smart manufacturing and propelling the nation towards becoming a key player in The Fourth Industrial Revolution, said Nick Lim, Vice President, ASEAN and Greater China, CA Technologies.

“We are excited about the proposed measures that translate to greater opportunities for Malaysian businesses and organizations to help evolve and navigate the digital economy.”

The Budget 2018 is seen to have express the sound economic and financial management of the country and at the same time cares for the interests of the rakyat reflected by the targeted incentives and measures and create more high impact programmes.

“We wish to extend our appreciation to the Government for its comprehensive Budget which shows commitment in ensuring the economy continues to expand at a healthy pace and at the same time reduce the fiscal deficit since 2009 while maintaining the Federal Government debt to GDP below the self-imposed limit of 55%,” said Tan Sri Azman Hashim, Chairman, Ambank Group.

Budget 2018’s core thrusts of accelerating investments, trade and industries while prioritising the rakyat’s wellbeing are significant steps in placing Malaysia as a player to be reckoned with in the global private healthcare market while boosting the efficiency of our local public healthcare services for its citizens, said Selvam Ramaraj, Executive Director, AJ Pharma Holding

Investments to spur the medical tourism industry that also incentivise industry players to obtain quality accreditation and certification from authorised bodies will cement the credibility of our healthcare service providers, and establish medical tourism as a significant revenue contributor for the nation.  

The Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (MARGMA) applauds the Government’s move to allocate the grant of RM245 million under the Domestic Investment Strategic Fund to upgrade facilities for Smart Manufacturing. This is in line with the Industry’s aspirations to fully automate and modernise its manufacturing plants across the country.

MARGMA is also pleased with the extension of the incentive period for Accelerated Capital Allowance of 200% on automation equipment for manufacturing sectors from the year of assessment 2018 to 2020.