Budget 2027: A RM510 billion budget: Who really wins?
By Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz EVERY national budget is a tightrope walk above a storm. I know this not from textbooks, but from long nights at the Ministry of Finance when I was the minister, staring at numbers that never quite add up...
Budget 2027 sees spending leap to RM510 billion, a stark contrast to the RM470 billion allocated previously. However, the fiscal deficit is expected to decrease, falling from 5.5% in 2022 to a targeted 3.3%. This shift is a result of careful choices made to prevent future generations from bearing the burden. The budget prioritizes the well-being of families, with increased cash aid, subsidies, and targeted relief.
A minimum wage hike to RM2,000 for six million workers and a new RM2,500 rate for graduates and semi-skilled workers demonstrate the government's commitment to fairer labor practices. The government also acknowledges the importance of affordable housing, allocating nearly RM1 billion for nationwide projects. Furthermore, the budget offers relief to debt-ridden families, with a reduced bankruptcy threshold and deferrals for PTPTN repayments.
These measures aim to provide tangible support to the millions of Malaysians who often struggle with the daily cost of living challenges.
Written by urgent.news from The Vibes's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.