KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister cum finance minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak tables 2010 Budget of RM191.5 billion, themed "1Malaysia, Together We Prosper" in Parliament beginning 4.00 pm. this afternoon.

The following are the highlights of the 2010 Budget:

- The Budget focuses on moving the nation to a high-income economy by strengthening the private sector as an engine of growth, creating a skilful and talented workforce, intensifying R&D activities as well as promoting innovative and creativity.

- Individual tax relief on broadband subscription fee up to RM500 a year from 2010 to 2012.

- Private consumption to expand 2.9 percent while private investment 3.4 percent; per capita income to increase by 2.5 percent to RM24,661.

- TNB to spend RM5bn to implement electricity generation, transmission and distribution projects in 2010.

- The Budget has allocated RM138.3 billion or 72.2 percent for operating expenditure and RM53.2 billion or 27.8 percent for development expenditure.

- The expenditure allocation for the 2010 Budget is 11.2 percent less than the 2009 allocation of RM215.7 billion.

- Government to allocate RM899 million to intensify tourism industry.

- Civil servants are eligible to apply for computer loans up to a maximum of RM5,000 from the government once every five years.

- Beginning January 1 next year, all credit and charge cards with annual fees waived will be charged annual service taxes of RM50 per principal card and RM25 for each suppmentary card.

- Government to sanction RM20 million to intensify green awareness activities and practise environment-friendly lifestyle.

- Develop Putrajaya and Cyberjaya as pioneer townships in Green Technology as a showcase for the development of other townships.

- 30 national scholarships for top students based on merit to further education in world-renowned universities; PTPTN loans converted to scholarships for first class honours degree undergraduates; Student 50 percent discount cards for KTM long distance service; Netbook package including free broadband service for university students for RM50 per month for two years.

- Government to allocate RM9 billion to finance infrastructure projects, with RM4.7 billion for road and bridge projects, RM2.6 billion for water supply and sewerage services, RM899 million for rail facilities, RM820 million for ports and sea services and RM276 milliion for airport projects.

- Financial institutions to approve micro-financing in six days and disbursement in four days.

- RM30 billion will be allocated to enhance primary and secondary education nationwide.

- Set up 14 Special Corruption Sessions Courts and 4 Special Corruption Appeal High Courts to combat corruption.

- 5% tax on gains from disposal of real property from Jan 1.

- The maximum income tax rate for individuals to be reduced to 26% from assessment year 2010. Personal relief increased to RM9,000.

- Employees' EPF contribution to be increased to 11% again, on a voluntary basis, effective immediately. However, from Jan 1, 2011, employees' EPF contribution will be reverted to 11%.

- Personal relief for EPF and life insurance schemes to be increased to RM7,000.

- Income tax for 2010 based on income derived from 2009 will be allowed to be paid in instalments in five years.

- Stock market to be further liberalised to enhance efficiency. (MySinchew)