Budget 2027 debate dominates Dewan Rakyat as MPs tackle haze, health and school safety

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 — The Supply (Budget) Bill 2027 took centre stage in the Dewan Rakyat during the second week of the Third Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament, along with pressing concerns like haze, health, education, and school safety. Over four days, 75 government and opposition MPs debated the bill, which was presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on October 9.

Sabah and Sarawak MPs supported the increase in interim special grants from RM600 million to RM1.5 billion, but demanded final resolution on the formula and clarification on Sabah’s right to 40 per cent of the federal government’s net revenue. Opposition member Lim Guan Eng suggested establishing an Asean Special Task Force on Forest and Land Fires to tackle the transboundary haze, and proposed legal action against Indonesia if they refused assistance.

Welfare concerns were highlighted by Datuk Khlir Mohd Nor, who called for the swift resolution of pension adjustments for MAF veterans, and Ramkarpal Singh, who emphasized school safety and proposed funding for teacher training to detect emotional distress and violence in students. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad announced that 400 new ambulances would be procured and additional medical equipment would be supplied to address the effects of haze.

Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir stated that the government aimed to create 500,000 job opportunities through AI, digitalisation, and automation, alongside stabilising essential goods prices through various laws and wage increases. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming reported that 1,726 private housing projects employing 199,643 units have been revived through the Task Force on Sick and Abandoned Private Housing Projects.

Agriculture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the government would consider targeted assistance for paddy farmers who suffered lower yields due to fertiliser supply delays. The Dewan Rakyat also approved the appointment of four MPs to the Parliamentary Services Council and debated the first reading of the Adoption (Amendment) Bill 2026, which proposes lowering the "child" age limit from 21 to 18.