MOF tours states to gather Budget 2027 input from industries, NGOs and public, says Amir Hamzah

GEORGE TOWN, Sept 14 — The Ministry of Finance (MOF) is undertaking a budget tour across Malaysia to collect input from various stakeholders, including industries, NGOs, and members of the public, in preparation for Budget 2027. Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan explained that the tour aims to gain insights into the needs of key sectors in each state and gather feedback from those directly impacted by government policies and allocations.

Speaking after a visit to Sekolah Menengah Agama Al-Mashoor (Girls) in Penang, Amir Hamzah highlighted that Penang is being visited due to its significant role in the electrical and electronics (E&E) and semiconductor sectors. He also emphasized the focus on the medical devices sector, noting Malaysia's strong export position in this industry.

"This high-value economic sector has the potential to boost domestic employment by creating better jobs," he stated. Prior to Penang, the tour will cover Sabah and Perak to gather views from industry players, including those in the maritime-based economy and automotive sectors. The government promises to examine all views received through focus group sessions and stakeholder meetings, with some proposals potentially included in the budget and others discussed with relevant ministries and agencies.

Amir Hamzah highlighted that focusing on specific groups has significantly improved the budget's quality, as it has moved beyond ministries and agencies to incorporate proposals from the industry, NGOs, and the public. "This ensures our budget is comprehensive and inclusive across all sectors," he concluded.