Budget 2027: Anwar to chart path towards stronger growth, better jobs and higher living standards

Budget 2027, slated for presentation by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in the Dewan Rakyat at 3.30pm today, will outline the government's objectives for the second year of the 13th Malaysia Plan. The theme, "Malaysia MADANI: Menggapai di Langit, Mengakar di Bumi" (Reaching for the Sky, Rooted in the Earth), emphasizes Malaysia's aspiration to achieve stronger economic growth, better jobs, and higher living standards.

The budget highlights investment in higher-value industries, quality employment, infrastructure development, and targeted assistance as key priorities. Malaysia's economy is projected to have grown by 6.0% in the second quarter of 2026, with full-year growth forecast between 4.0% and 5.0%. These indicators present an opportunity to build on current momentum and sustain long-term growth.

A critical focus will be on attracting investment into advanced manufacturing, digitalization, artificial intelligence, and other high-growth industries. These sectors are expected to enhance productivity, strengthen Malaysia's position in regional supply chains, and create skilled employment opportunities.

Investment in infrastructure, such as water supply, electricity networks, transport connectivity, and digital infrastructure, is also crucial. Improved infrastructure can bolster the appeal of Malaysia to investors, boost local industries' capacity to expand, and enhance their ability to contribute to national growth. Moreover, infrastructure development can improve access to essential services, reduce logistical constraints, and facilitate economic participation in rural areas.

The budget also aims to ensure that economic expansion leads to tangible improvements for workers and households. Policies targeting better purchasing power, employment prospects, and access to support services will be emphasized. Efforts to enhance small and medium enterprises' access to financing, technology adoption, and productivity measures will help businesses grow, create jobs, and better integrate into larger investment and manufacturing networks.

Fiscal sustainability will be maintained through better revenue mobilization and more efficient public spending. The success of Budget 2027 will be measured by its ability to translate national economic ambitions into tangible benefits for the people of Malaysia, fostering a more resilient economy and broader prosperity under the MADANI framework.