Budget will ensure continued growth, putting people ‘at the centre’, says Khazanah

Khazanah Nasional Bhd, Malaysia's sovereign wealth fund, is confident that the 2027 budget will continue to drive the country's long-term competitiveness and economic growth, while maintaining a focus on putting people at the forefront. Managing Director Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir emphasized that the budget remains firmly inclusive, acknowledging the need to benefit all segments of Malaysian society, including workers, youth, entrepreneurs, Bumiputera companies, MSMEs, and communities facing economic and climate challenges.

Amirul highlighted that the budget is being introduced at a crucial time for Malaysia, as the nation grapples with geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain pressures, and elevated fuel prices resulting from the conflict in the West Asia region. The budget aims to promote not only economic growth but also quality growth, focusing on strategic sectors such as semiconductors, energy transition, infrastructure, enterprise development, and talent acquisition.

These priorities are essential for strengthening Malaysia's industrial base, increasing economic complexity, and creating higher-value opportunities for businesses and workers. Amirul stated that Khazanah's Dana Warisan investments under the Warisan KL initiative are crucial and are currently supporting restoration projects at the Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad Complex and Carcosa.

Furthermore, Khazanah is actively collaborating with Penang and Selangor state governments in a joint effort to fortify Malaysia's semiconductor and advanced manufacturing ecosystem, while supporting the growth of high-potential Malaysian firms. The budget's emphasis on vendor growth, innovation, and entry into new markets is expected to provide additional opportunities for Bumiputera business expansion.

In line with this, the budget will see an expansion of Dana Ciptawan to RM250 million, in collaboration with Teraju, the Bumiputera agenda steering unit, to bolster the growth of Bumiputera and Malaysian mid-tier companies.