Khazanah backs Budget 2027, pledges support for semiconductor growth and energy transition

Khazanah Nasional Berhad welcomed Malaysia's 2027 Madani Budget, describing it as a people-centric plan that strengthens the nation's long-term competitiveness while addressing immediate concerns over living costs and wages. The managing director of Khazanah, Datuk Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir, noted that the budget arrives at a critical time for Malaysia as it grapples with geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, and the impact of rising fuel prices due to West Asia conflict.

Budget 2027, themed "Malaysia MADANI: Menggapai di Langit, Mengakar di Bumi," focuses on economic growth while ensuring inclusivity. It targets strategic sectors such as semiconductors, energy transition, infrastructure, enterprise development, and talent development. Amirul Feisal emphasized that the budget not only promotes growth but prioritizes quality growth.

Khazanah supports the government's decision to increase the living wage benchmark for employees of GLICs and GLCs to RM3,400 monthly. The fund also highlighted its commitment to heritage conservation through its Dana Warisan investments, including restoration projects at Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad Complex and Carcosa.

In collaboration with Penang and Selangor governments, Khazanah and the states will contribute RM50 million each to a Strategic Investment Fund, bringing its initial size to RM150 million. The fund aims to support high-potential Malaysian companies, complementing Budget 2027's emphasis on innovation, market expansion, and vendor development.

To boost Bumiputera business growth, Khazanah expanded Dana Ciptawan to RM250 million, partnering with Teraju to assist Bumiputera and Malaysian mid-tier companies. The organization also welcomes government ambitions in energy transition and climate resilience, with Tenaga Nasional Berhad's investment in the national electricity grid and UEM Lestra's RM1 billion renewable energy investment as key enablers of Malaysia's sustainable energy agenda.