‘Income first’: Economy Minister Akmal says Budget 2027 must deliver better wages for Malaysians
GEORGE TOWN, Sept 24 — Income and wages must remain a priority in the planning of Budget 2027, alongside efforts t...
In a recent statement, Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir emphasized that income and wages should remain a top priority in the planning of Budget 2027. This priority is essential to ensure that gains in productivity and Malaysia's position in the supply chain result in better job opportunities and more meaningful wages for Malaysians.
During a speech at the 'KL20@Penang 2026: Silicon Surge' program, Minister Akmal highlighted that discussing income and wages should go hand in hand with strengthening the capabilities of local companies. To support this, he announced RM25 million in funding under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) for the construction of the National Automation, Testing, and Equipment (ATE) Campus in Batu Kawan, Penang.
The campus aims to bolster the state's semiconductor ecosystem, which in turn will create better job prospects and more rewarding wages for Malaysian workers. Despite concerns over persistently high oil prices and an uncertain outlook, Minister Akmal stressed that the government must account for these factors in Budget 2027 to safeguard the nation's development and the well-being of its citizens.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow also supported the initiative, pledging state land for the ATE campus and launching a RM50 million technology fund aimed at supporting start-ups and companies seeking to scale up. The ATE campus is set to serve as a hub for talent development, technology qualification, joint development, testing, and deployment of locally-made ATE solutions.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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