SHAH ALAM Budget 2027 appears to be aimed at securing public support ahead of the next general election, with targeted assistance for lower-income groups, youths and civil servants, says political analyst James Chin.Chin said the government had increased funding for the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) to RM3.1 billion, raising questions about whether the allocation was intended to strengthen support among Muslim voters.Its obvious that hes trying to capture the Muslim vote, ..

SHAH ALAM The 2027 Budgets financing measures and support for business expansion have drawn positive responses from the Unit Peneraju Agenda Bumiputera (Teraju) and peer-to-peer (P2P) financing platform Funding Societies Malaysia, which say the initiatives could help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) grow.Teraju chief executive officer Junady Nawawi said the budget marked a strategic shift from increasing Bumiputera participation to building companies that are resilient, competitive ..

KUALA LUMPUR The 2027 Budget recognises the role of the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) in supporting local economic growth and entrepreneurship, a move welcomed by Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil.He said the budget prioritised the middle-income M40 group while ensuring the lower-income B40 group was not left behind, alongside providing support for the T20 group, including micro, small and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) owners.Overall, I think the 2027 Budget ..

SHAH ALAM Malaysia has blocked more than 5.7 billion scam-related calls and short message service (SMS) messages, with the government now planning an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered application to help the public identify potential scams before making financial transactions.Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the new measure during the Budget 2027 tabling on Friday, saying the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) would develop the application to allow ..

KUALA LUMPUR - Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil will raise the possibility of implementing work-from-home (WFH) arrangements for private sector employees at next weeks Cabinet meeting amid worsening haze conditions and concerns over the unusual weather phenomenon.He said the WFH policy was already in effect for civil servants, while private companies had previously been encouraged to adopt similar arrangements when the war in West Asia first broke out.The WFH policy is currently ..

WITH the parliamentary term expected to end around late 2027, Budget 2027 could be the last full Budget before the 16th general election (GE16). That gives Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahims spending plan both economic significance and political weight.At its heart is Wa'ad Nasional, or National Covenant, which Anwar presents as more than a financial statement. It is a collective promise to build a fairer Malaysia, ease the burden on the people and share the benefits ..

KUALA LUMPUR The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES) is ready to provide technical expertise to help tackle the transboundary haze from Indonesian wildfires but is awaiting the green light to assist relevant agencies.Deputy Minister Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh said the ministry wanted to play an active role in addressing the issue, stressing the importance of cooperation between Malaysia and Indonesia through diplomatic engagements and discussions between their ..

KUALA LUMPUR The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES) has urged the public to refer to the governments official Air Pollutant Index (API) readings on MyEQMS amid discrepancies with figures reported by alternative monitoring platforms.NRES Deputy Minister Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh said the Department of Environments (DOE) MyEQMS platform published official readings based on data collected from monitoring stations at specific locations.He said the public could consult ..

KUALA LUMPUR - The allocation for repairing and maintaining all types of schools has been doubled from RM1 billion to RM2 billion under Budget 2027.Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also Finance Minister, said the allocation for Sekolah Kebangsaan has been increased to RM900 million, Chinese national-type schools (SJKC) to RM100 million and Tamil national-type schools (SJKT) to RM50 million.He said although the number of students in SJKT is relatively smaller, the dilapidated ..

KUALA LUMPUR - The following are the highlights of Budget 2027, tabled by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the Dewan Rakyat today.Themed Menggapai di Langit, Mengakar Ke Bumi (Malaysia Madani: Reaching for the Sky, Rooted in the Ground), it is the second budget under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) 2026-2030 and the fifth under the Madani Government.The government has allocated more than RM80 billion for subsidies, assistance and incentives next year, with fuel ..

SHAH ALAM - Four people were injured in an accident involving a lorry and 11 other vehicles at Persiaran Mokhtar Dahari, Alam Budiman here today.Selangor Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations Ashrul Riezal Asbar said the department was informed of the crash at about 4.30pm and immediately dispatched personnel to the scene."The accident left a man and a woman with serious head injuries, while two other male victims sustained minor injuries, he said in a statement.Ashrul ..

SHAH ALAM All Malaysian citizens will be automatically registered as Employees Provident Fund (EPF) members upon turning 18 under a new measure announced in Budget 2027 to encourage earlier retirement savings.Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the initiative was aimed at strengthening social protection by allowing Malaysians to begin their retirement savings journey at a younger age."To strengthen social protection, every citizen will be automatically registered as an EPF member ..

SHAH ALAM - Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said in his Budget 2027 speech in the Dewan Rakyat today that the government will provide RM20 billion in housing financing guarantees to help 80,000 first-time home buyers, alongside stamp duty exemptions to make home ownership more accessible.He said Syarikat Jaminan Kredit Perumahan (SJKP) will provide the financing guarantees, particularly to help self-employed individuals without fixed income secure housing loans.The ..

SHAH ALAM - A ghost net buyback scheme will aim to remove abandoned fishing nets from Malaysian waters, as leatherback turtles return to nest in Terengganu for the first time since 2017.Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the initiative was part of the governments efforts to protect marine life and strengthen wildlife conservation under 2027 Budget, which he tabled in Parliament, today.We celebrate the return of leatherback turtles to the shores of Terengganu to nest and lay their ..

SHAH ALAM Police will strengthen the Malaysia Internet Crime Against Children system with advanced analytical tools to detect offenders and child sexual exploitation networks earlier.Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) would also expand its Safer Internet Campaign to all schools, focusing on cyberbullying and child exploitation.He said this when tabling Budget 2027 in the Dewan Rakyat today.Anwar said MCMC had blocked more ..

SHAH ALAM The government will increase its allocation for rural road projects to RM2.3 billion under Budget 2027, up from RM1.3 billion in 2022, to improve infrastructure in rural areas.Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the allocation was part of the RM3.3 billion set aside for basic rural infrastructure, including street lighting, community facilities and access to clean water and electricity.To improve rural electricity supply, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) will install ..

SHAH ALAM - The fares for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) are expected to be announced by the Transport Ministry by the end of October, says Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL).In a statement today, MRL said the fare assessment and approval process was at its final stage and would be presented to the Cabinet at a meeting in the near future.MRL wishes to inform the public that the fare rates for the ECRL service are expected to be announced by the Transport Ministry by the end of October, it ..

KUALA LUMPUR - Microfinancing will increase to RM6.6 billion in 2027 to help small business entrepreneurs increase their income, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.Anwar said the government has allocated RM200 million for the Sejahtera Madani grant to provide equipment and training to 40,000 recipients, especially women."Next year, a total of RM3 billion from the Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) Fund will be available to assist 360,000 entrepreneurs."The financing fund for the National ..

SHAH ALAM All disciplinary proceedings at public universities involving freedom of speech, expression of views, public criticism and peaceful assembly have been halted with immediate effect as the government prepares a new legal framework to replace the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU).Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Higher Education Ministry was preparing a comprehensive legal framework covering university autonomy, academic freedom and students ..

KUALA LUMPUR - The allocation for Islamic affairs under Budget 2027 has been increased to RM3.1 billion from RM2.6 billion this year to continue upholding Islam in the country, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, when tabling the budget themed "Reaching for the Sky, Rooted in the Ground" in the Dewan Rakyat today, also announced a special incentive of RM150 a month for 500 Religious and Fardu Ain Class (KAFA) teachers educating special needs ..

SHAH ALAM - The National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) would develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered application to help the public identify potential scams before making transactions.Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim made the announcement when tabling the 2027 Budget in the Dewan Rakyat, today.He said the Royal Malaysia Police's D11 division was strengthening the Malaysia Internet Crime Against Children system with advanced analytical capabilities to detect perpetrators and child ..

SHAH ALAM Microfinancing will be increased to RM6.6 billion in 2027 to help small entrepreneurs expand their businesses.Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this included RM150 million in financing for Indian entrepreneurs through the National Entrepreneurial Group Economic Fund (TEKUN) and Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM).Under the sixth thrust, aimed at expanding economic potential, Anwar said microfinancing was one way to help small entrepreneurs increase their income through ..

KUALA LUMPUR - Actor Beto Kusyairy will represent Malaysia at the 2026 Asian Academy Creative Awards (AACA) Grand Gala Final in Singapore on Dec 3 after winning the national title for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in Good Boys Go to Heaven.According to a Facebook post by AACA, Beto was named the 2026 national winner in the category, earning him a place to compete for the coveted Golden Statuette at the gala final."Congratulations Beto Kusyairy! A distinguished performance in ..

SHAH ALAM The government will procure 42 new train sets for (Electric Train Service) ETS and KTM Komuter services, while Prasarana will invest more than RM3.4 billion to comprehensively restore its rail services following frequent train breakdowns and service disruptions.Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Prasarana and Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) had been tasked with taking immediate action to ensure smoother train services and minimise disruptions affecting ..

SHAH ALAM The government will increase the allocation for outsourcing patients to other hospitals to RM200 million under the 2027 Budget, as part of efforts to shorten waiting times for treatment.Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the scope of cooperation would be expanded to include the use of private healthcare facilities, including operating theatres, by the public healthcare sector.To reduce the waiting time for patients to receive treatment, the allocation for outsourcing ..

SHAH ALAM - Airport security screening will be tightened, including mandatory drug and alcohol tests for pilots and flight crew, as the government steps up efforts to improve aviation safety.Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said 48 new body and baggage scanners had also been installed at Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Kota Kinabalu international airports.The government will tighten airport security screening, including mandatory drug and alcohol tests for pilots and flight crew, he said when ..

SHAH ALAM - National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) borrowers earning RM2,500 and below a month will be eligible for a repayment deferment in 2027.This benefits more than 400,000 borrowers through a series of measures announced under 2027 Budget.Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said borrowers earning between RM2,500 and RM3,000 monthly would only be required to make minimum repayments of RM50.The government agrees to provide a repayment deferment for borrowers earning up to ..

KUALA LUMPUR - Some 40,000 KTM Komuter users stand to benefit from the MYKOMUTER50 incentive next year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.Anwar said the initiative would save users up to RM160 a month, while free passes would also be given to 360,000 schoolchildren, the disabled community and children under six. The My50 facility will continue for Prasarana bus and rail users in the Klang Valley.As a long-term fix for train breakdowns and service disruptions, Anwar said Prasarana ..

KUALA LUMPUR - The government has agreed to amend the Road Transport Act 1987 to compel drivers who cause accidents while under the influence of alcohol or drugs to compensate victims.Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that as of August this year, 28 fatal cases were recorded involving drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs.He said the tragedy on the eve of the last National Day, which claimed four lives - including a husband, wife, and their young child on the East ..

SHAH ALAM The government will increase the air health service incentive from RM30 to RM100, following the helicopter crash involving the Flying Doctor Service in Long Lellang that claimed the lives of frontline personnel.Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government was saddened by the tragedy and agreed to raise the incentive as part of its measures concerning air health services.We are saddened by the helicopter crash involving the Flying Doctor Service in Long Lellang, which ..

SHAH ALAM More than 9,000 contract doctors will be offered permanent positions in 2027 as the government moves to resolve the long-standing issue of contract medical officers.Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Madani government had appointed more than 15,000 contract doctors to permanent positions since 2023, including 4,000 this year.I am pleased to announce that the issue of contract doctors will be resolved.Since 2023, the Madani government has appointed more than 15,000 ..

KUALA LUMPUR - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim cited Gurindam Dua Belas, a literary work by Raja Ali Haji, to emphasise the importance of justice and trustworthiness in the country's governance.Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said Malay intellectual traditions had long placed both values at the heart of administration that is accountable to the people.He said the expression in the work, written in 1847, conveyed the message that power was not measured by the stature of one's ..

SHAH ALAM The Early School Assistance (BAP) will be increased from RM150 to RM200 per student under Budget 2027, benefiting 5.3 million students nationwide.Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government had allocated RM1 billion for the assistance to help families prepare for the 2027 school session.This means a family with four children will receive RM800 to prepare for the 2027 school session, he said when tabling Budget 2027 in Parliament today.Anwar, who is also the Prime ..

SHAH ALAM The government will amend the Road Transport (JPJ) Act to require drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs to pay compensation to their victims.In tabling the 2027 Budget, Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim cited a crash on the eve of National Day at the LPT1 highway in Temerloh, in which four people were killed, including a couple and their young child.He said that as of August this year, 28 deaths had been linked to drunk drivers or drivers under the influence of ..

SHAH ALAM The Special Educational Needs Pupils Allowance will rise from RM150 to RM200 a month, benefiting 150,000 pupils, including those with autism.The Special Educational Needs Teaching Incentive will also be increased, from RM250 to RM300 a month, for 20,000 special education teachers.Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the increases while tabling Budget 2027 in the Dewan Rakyat, today.He said the government is also putting more into early childhood development facilities ..

SHAH ALAM The government will provide 50 acres of strategic land around Kuala Lumpur, valued at RM1 billion, to Yayasan Pelaburan Bumiputra as a new endowment to strengthen Bumiputera economic empowerment and ownership.Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the land would be developed by Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB), with affordable housing needs and the interests of the Bumiputera community taken into account.Since 1981, no further endowment has been given following the first ..

SHAH ALAM - Melaka is set to become a focal point for investment and talent development, with the government strengthening high-tech technical and vocational education and training (TVET) to create more skilled employment opportunities.Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Melaka Centre of Excellence would provide dignified employment opportunities for the people through high-tech TVET training.The Melaka Centre of Excellence creates dignified employment opportunities for the ..

SHAH ALAM - Floods during the monsoon season are not new in Malaysia, but the government is stepping up efforts to mitigate the risk through five key measures, including strengthening flood management infrastructure and improving dam capacity.Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Federal and Selangor governments would work together to address flash floods as soon as possible.This includes assessing the capacity of the Batu and Klang Gates dams to meet water management needs over ..

SHAH ALAM Sabah and Sarawak will receive higher federal allocations in 2027, with Sabah allocated RM18.7 billion and Sarawak RM16.2 billion, as the government continues efforts to fulfil commitments under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the allocations would increase from RM17.6 billion for Sabah and RM15.1 billion for Sarawak, this year.He said the Madani government had also increased the interim special grant for the two states threefold, with ..

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysias successful hosting of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2026 demonstrates how unity and close cooperation among its multiracial population remain key strengths in achieving excellence on the international stage, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.The Finance Minister said the smooth running of the prestigious sporting event reflected the dedication of thousands of volunteers, civil servants and F1 personnel who worked hand in hand to ensure its ..