PUTRAJAYA: Malaysians who wish to help the government tackle its debt woes can now do so via a newly set-up special fund, named Tabung Harapan Malaysia.
The fund, says Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, is a means to help channel aid from the public who are keen on helping the government strengthen its financial position.
Dr Mahathir said the fund is necessary to ensure that donations from patriotic Malaysians will reach the Ministry of Finance.
“Many Malaysians, after knowing the bad state of the country’s financial position, are willing to make donations to the government. We welcome their patriotic attitude and express our gratitude to them,” he told a press conference after chairing a meeting of the Cabinet at Perdana Putra here, today.
The recent announcement of the national debt of RM1 trillion had prompted many Malaysians to express over social media their readiness to donate to help the government reduce the debt.
Meanwhile, in a statement, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said the setting up of the fund is to ensure that the people’s donation are managed systematically and transparently.
Those who plan to do so can channel their donations via Maybank account 566010626452. Donations can only be made in Ringgit.
Lim also extended his thanks on behalf of the government to the people for their desire to help the government tackle economic challenges.
“The people on their own free will are willing to share their income to help the government,” he said.
Additional reporting by: Irwan Shafrizan Ismail and Mohd Nasarudin Parzi