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

Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MAICCI) president 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 has 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 the HGH Convention Centre in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur, today.

The M40 refers to the middle 40 percent with household income of between RM3,860 and RM8,319.

Earlier, Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and MCA president 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