KUALA LUMPUR: Khazanah Nasional Bhd and its investee companies are ready to deliver on the various initiatives in 2023 Budget to help steer the nation towards a positive future for all Malaysians.
Managing director Datuk Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir said this was in tandem with Khazanah's long-term strategy of Advancing Malaysia.
As part of its Advancing Malaysia strategy, Khazanah allocated RM6 billion to its Dana Impak, which seeks to build economic competitiveness and increase national resilience while delivering socioeconomic benefits for the rakyat.
"Through Dana Impak, Khazanah looks forward to playing an integral role, along with other GLICs, in funding high growth start-ups in Malaysia to spur innovation and economic growth in the country.
"In addition, Khazanah reaffirms our commitment in supporting sustainable business practices and has allocated RM150 million to spur the development of green / environmentally friendly projects which include enhancing the carbon market and supporting reforestation," Amirul Feisal said.
Khazanah, as a lead investor in Iskandar Malaysia in Johor, welcomed the government's proposal to strengthen its development through a Special Financial Zone designation.
"This initiative will provide a competitive business environment to attract foreign direct investment and knowledge workers to Malaysia," he said.
Together with other GLICs, Khazanah said it continued to give back to the community by supporting vulnerable groups and uplifting their quality of life.
Following the reopening of the economy, the government has allocated a further RM30 million to boost economic activity especially in Program Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) communities under the administration of Khazanah's impact-based foundation, Yayasan Hasanah.
In preserving Malaysia's national heritage, Khazanah will lead the formation of the National Heritage Fund to attract private sector participation.
The National Heritage Fund is a public-private partnership initiative which aims to restore and rejuvenate historic heritage buildings, including the redevelopment of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Carcosa Sri Negara, which will be executed in collaboration with ThinkCity, a consultancy and project delivery entity founded by Khazanah.
"Given the significant historical value of the heritage buildings, these preservation efforts will add vibrancy to the city of Kuala Lumpur and connect people across diverse backgrounds by instilling a sense of national pride and shared cultural values.
"All in all, the Malaysia MADANI Budget 2023 will support Malaysia in becoming a stronger nation by fostering inclusivity, competitiveness and sustainability which is in line with Khazanah's mandate to deliver sustainable economic and societal value for the nation," Amirul Feisal said.