In Dewan Rakyat today: Healthcare access gap, Budget 2027 debate

Today, the Dewan Rakyat session in Malaysia will focus on addressing the healthcare access gap between urban hospitals and rural healthcare facilities. This issue will be raised by Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias, who will question the Health Minister about the government's measures to bridge the disparity during a question-and-answer session.

The debate will also cover the risks of Malaysia's export dependence on the electrical and electronics (E&E) sector to the Investment, Trade and Industry Minister, along with diversification strategies if the global semiconductor cycle weakens. Additionally, the Rural and Regional Development Minister will explain the rationale behind the establishment of the first MARA hospital, including details on studies and planning, location, bed capacity, specialisation, estimated development cost, funding sources, and expected operations commencement.

Other key topics in the session include the Home Minister's explanation of integrated measures to combat people smuggling, drugs, and prohibited goods along the Perlis border, as well as the implementation timeline for the postponed carbon tax to maintain Malaysia's competitiveness in a low-carbon economy. The Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister will address monitoring measures and interventions to ensure Koperasi Permodalan Felda Malaysia Berhad (KPF) settles outstanding share redemption payments owed to over 9,000 members, including the setting of a payment timeline.

The policy-stage debate on the Supply Bill 2027 will commence this week, following the budget announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Friday. The debate, scheduled to run from October 12 to 22, will be followed by a four-day winding-up session by relevant ministers starting October 26. The Dewan Rakyat sitting will continue for 37 days until December 8.