‘Disappointed’ women’s group calls for MPs to scrutinise 2027 budget through gender lens

The All Women’s Action Society (Awam) has criticised the Malaysian 2027 budget, urging MPs to examine allocations from a gender perspective. Awam president Lai Suat Yan stated that while the budget made some improvements, such as extended maternity leave for civil servants and tax relief for postpartum care, it still falls short in addressing critical issues affecting women.

Lai highlighted the need for better support for survivors of gender-based violence, including adequate services, trained responders, counselling, and recovery assistance. She also called for more affordable, quality community-based care services, stronger protections for unpaid caregivers, and the integration of gender and disability perspectives in public spending on transport, housing, healthcare, and social protection.

Lai emphasized that these measures are crucial to ensure accountability, assess the impact of public spending, and translate commitments to gender equality into tangible improvements in women's lives.