Budget 2018 should also address needs of M40 group - Maicci

KUALA LUMPUR: The upcoming Budget 2018 should not only address Malaysians with household income from the bottom 40% (B40) but also the middle 40% (M40).

Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Maicci) president Tan Sri Kenneth Eswaran said the M40 group comprising young executives are bearing the brunt of the rising cost of living without an equal increase in earnings.
"Yes, emphasis should be given to the B40 but the M40 who are just starting their life have not been given a helping hand. With the rising cost of living, I think it's appropriate to help them too," he told reporters after the Maicci Deepavali celebration at HGH Convention Centre in Sentul here, today.
The M40 refers to the middle 40 percent with household income of between RM3,860 and RM8,319.
Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak and MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai were among leaders who took time off to attend the Deepavali open house.
About 5,000 guests at the open house were treated to a colourful celebration featuring traditional food and culture performance of the Indian community. — Bernama