Malaysians to gain from wider access to affordable essentials
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians will benefit from wider access to affordable essentials, improved distribution in rural areas and stronger consumer protection under the 2027 Budget, as the government steps up efforts to address the rising cost of living.
The 2027 Malaysian Budget aims to alleviate the rising cost of living through various initiatives. Malaysians will gain wider access to affordable essentials, with improved distribution in rural areas and stronger consumer protection. A RM80 billion allocation will fund aid, subsidies, and incentives to ease financial pressures on households and support businesses, rural entrepreneurs, and the creative industry.
The budget includes RM250 million for expanding distribution of essential goods to rural and remote areas, with six new locations added. This will help address supply challenges and reduce the need for rural communities to travel long distances for necessities. Rural entrepreneurs can benefit from a RM10 million allocation for Jom Beli Produk Malaysia, which encourages support for Malaysian products through digital platforms and international markets.
Consumer protection is strengthened with RM1.1 billion for agencies like the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry and the Malaysia Competition Commission. This funding aims to improve compliance with trade and competition laws, safeguard consumer interests, and address market offenses. The budget also includes tax deductions for food and equipment donations to the Ihsan Food Bank Initiative, promoting food redistribution and reducing waste.
The government plans to introduce an E-commerce Bill at the next Parliament to regulate online platforms and sellers, including foreign operators. This legislation intends to improve accountability, consumer safety, and competitiveness for micro, small, and medium enterprises in the digital marketplace. Additionally, the budget aims to support creative talent by developing 20 new animation intellectual properties and commercialising Malaysian characters internationally.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
