2027 Budget preparations in final stretch, says Amir Hamzah

Preparations for the 2027 Malaysian Budget are nearing completion, according to Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. The nationwide engagement sessions aimed at gathering insights from various stakeholders, including industries, NGOs, and the public, are set to conclude soon. Amir emphasized that these interactions have been vital in ensuring the budget accurately reflects the nation's diverse needs and concerns.

Proposals gathered during these sessions will be assessed for inclusion, while those needing further study will be reviewed alongside relevant ministries and agencies. Hamzah stressed the importance of direct input from industry experts, NGOs, and the public in creating a comprehensive and inclusive 2027 Budget. He urged the government to consider proposals from affected sectors, as some will be included directly, while others will be studied further to explore ways to bolster support for these industries in the future.

During his visit to Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama (Perempuan) AlMashoor (SMKA (P) AlMashoor), an adopted school of Telekom Malaysia Bhd, Hamzah highlighted the program's role in fostering student interest in STEM fields through laboratory facilities and teacher training. He praised Telekom Malaysia's support for this initiative, noting that it contributes to developing the human capital essential for Malaysia's future.

The budget tour took Hamzah across several states, including Tawau (Sabah), where the focus was on the Blue Economy; Perak, where he visited the Automotive High Technology Valley (AHTV) project in Tanjung Malim; Penang, a crucial hub for the electrical and electronics (E&E) and semiconductor industries; and Kulim, where he engaged with automotive industry players and met representatives from the medical devices sector.

Hamzah highlighted Malaysia's significant advancements in the medical devices sector, with domestic production of essential equipment such as catheters and pacemakers, which are exported worldwide. He underscored how these sectors have a substantial economic impact and the potential to generate high-quality jobs.