Budget 2027 must look beyond income, recognise the real cost of living in KL — Ben Fong Kok Seng

Budget 2027 must go beyond income and consider the true cost of living in Kuala Lumpur, especially for families in the Greater Klang Valley, especially Kuala Lumpur, according to Ben Fong Kok Seng. On paper, many households may meet the M40 classification or be at the lower end of T20, but their disposable income after essential expenses may leave them in similar financial pressure as lower-income households in less expensive areas of the country.

Fong Kok Seng, a community activist in Bukit Bintang, believes the budget should review eligibility for welfare assistance based on local living costs and household circumstances. He also emphasizes the need for continued investment in public transport, including reliable feeder buses and better links between services. Additionally, he advocates for support that helps families move forward, such as free or low-cost after-school tuition and free skills programs for working adults.

Lastly, Fong Kok Seng raises the question of whether a uniform national minimum wage should apply across Kuala Lumpur and other parts of the country, suggesting that a separate regional rate may be necessary due to the significant differences in the cost of working and living between the two areas.