PUTRAJAYA (Bernama): Budget 2026, set to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat this October, will be the first national budget aligned with the objectives of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). It will centre around three core pillars: raising the ceiling, raising the floor, and reinforcing good governance in public administration.
According to the parliamentary calendar, the budget will be presented on October 10.
Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan explained that “raising the ceiling” involves boosting Malaysia’s economic competitiveness, particularly by advancing high-growth, high-value sectors such as the semiconductor industry, energy transition, and the Islamic economy.
He also emphasised continued support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and startups, encouraging them to become key producers of “Made-by-Malaysia” products and services.
“The digital economy and artificial intelligence (AI) agenda remain top priorities, along with initiatives to foster innovation and promote values-based economic growth,” he said during his address at the inaugural Budget 2026 Engagement Council on Thursday.
The session was attended by several top government and financial officials, including Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar; Treasury Secretary-General Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican; Public Service Director-General Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz; Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour; and Securities Commission Malaysia Executive Chairman Datuk Mohammad Faiz Azmi.
Nearly 300 participants from various sectors—including public institutions, industry, chambers of commerce, technocrats, economists, academics, NGOs, and international bodies—were present.
On “raising the floor,” Amir Hamzah said the government will prioritise improving access to essential services, particularly education and healthcare, as part of the 13MP’s sectoral reform agenda.
The “raise the ceiling” strategy aims to elevate national potential through investment in innovation, technology, and talent development, while “raising the floor” focuses on strengthening core public services to ensure inclusivity and leave no one behind—both integral to achieving the 13MP’s inclusive and equitable development goals.
“With active involvement from NGOs and civil society groups, we hope to identify holistic strategies to support vulnerable communities and enhance the social safety net,” he said.
Amir Hamzah also reiterated that increasing household incomes and addressing cost-of-living pressures will remain central themes in Budget 2026.
On governance, he welcomed ideas from all stakeholders to further improve public service efficiency and ease of doing business.
“I encourage all stakeholders to contribute feedback that will form the foundation of Budget 2026,” he said. “I hope today’s session serves as a strategic platform to collectively shape the nation’s path forward through meaningful input that leads to a high-impact and comprehensive development budget.”
He added that all Malaysians are invited to submit their proposals through the official Budget 2026 Proposal Portal at https://belanjawan.mof.gov.my/ms/.
Amir Hamzah said Thursday’s engagement council officially launches the Budget 2026 formulation process, which will serve as the fourth Madani Budget—ensuring it reflects the public’s aspirations through inclusive participation and people-focused planning.
