From student hunger to bigger Sara aid, what could Budget 2027 have in store for Malaysians?

Budget 2027 in Malaysia is expected to focus on three key priorities: boosting national growth, improving living standards, and enhancing governance. The government may implement measures to alleviate cost-of-living pressures, including increasing cash assistance under the STR and Sara schemes, and possibly raising the minimum wage to RM2,000.

Addressing student hunger on university campuses is also anticipated to be a priority, with additional funding for campus food-bank programs. The government may also consider a hybrid GST-SST taxation model, though the timeline for a decision remains unclear. Furthermore, there is speculation that more financial support could be allocated for small traders and entrepreneurs, as well as for the defence sector to fund asset procurement, living quarters upgrades, and hospital maintenance.