Budget 2027: Bumiputera businesses get RM7.5b procurement, RM2b GLIC investment

The Malaysian government has announced significant budget allocations for Bumiputera businesses in its 2027 budget. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed that the procurement allocation for Bumiputera contractors in grades G1 to G4 will increase from RM4 billion to RM7.5 billion. This enhancement follows concerns expressed by Bumiputera contractors and companies regarding procurement processes.

For maintenance, repair, and upgrading works of government facilities, the procurement threshold for direct appointment is now up to RM200,000, while quotations can go up to RM3 million. The Teraju agency, a strategic arm under the Prime Minister's Department, will provide up to RM1 billion in financing for Bumiputera projects across the nation, along with overseeing these projects.

Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Berhad (PUNB) will also boost its financing funds from RM350 million to RM500 million. To ease loan and financing agreements, the government will offer a stamp duty facility of only RM10 for schemes Cakna II, which will be in effect from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2030. This facility will also be extended to the Cakna I Scheme until the same date.

Government-linked companies (GLCs) and Petronas are aiming for RM58 billion in procurement from Bumiputera companies. GLC procurement guidelines, which have not been revised since 2006, will be updated next year. Furthermore, government-linked investment companies like Ekuinas and PHB will invest RM2 billion to strengthen Bumiputera enterprises. Khazanah Nasional Berhad, Teraju, and the Dana Ciptawan (Innovators Fund) totalling RM250 million will be introduced to aid the development of mid-tier Bumiputera companies.

The government is also investing RM1.5 billion in developing centralized solar parks for government buildings, providing opportunities for Bumiputera construction, engineering, and maintenance companies. Through the LSS6 solar project, 150 megawatts are earmarked specifically for Bumiputera companies to bolster their role in the clean energy sector. Additionally, the 10 Bumiputera Champions initiative will be extended with RM40 million to nurture 15 potential companies by 2027.