Sharp, essential news and analysis from Malaysia.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim plans to boost defence spending in Budget 2027 to strengthen the Malaysian Armed Forces' operational readiness and modernise its equipment, while enhancing personnel welfare and simplifying promotion procedures.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasised that Malaysia's federal government spends between RM40 billion and RM45 billion each year on subsidies, particularly fuel support, designed to shield ordinary Malaysians from international price pressures.
Malaysia has achieved nearly RM5 billion in budgetary savings through expenditure control measures introduced in response to global supply chain disruptions, Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong announced in Parliament.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has downplayed the financial burden of hosting Formula 1 races in Malaysia, suggesting the government's existing annual RM16 million budget for Sepang International Circuit upkeep would suffice.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has indicated the MADANI Government may boost cash assistance under the STR and SARA schemes if economic performance permits, with discussions underway ahead of the next budget.
The government has allocated RM238.64 million towards the MADANI Rahmah Sales Programme since January, processing over 21 million transactions across more than 17,000 events nationwide as part of its cost-of-living relief strategy.
The government's SARA cashless aid scheme has achieved exceptional 99% uptake among nearly 9 million Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah recipients, generating RM3.45 billion in spending this year while supporting lower-income households amid rising costs.
Malaysia's fiscal deficit is projected to reach 3.6% of GDP in 2026, only slightly above the government's 3.5% target, despite allocating an additional RM25 billion for fuel subsidies to maintain RON95 petrol prices at RM1.99 per litre.
The federal government has disbursed RM1.2 billion in land compensation for the Sabah Pan Borneo Highway Phase 1 project, with Sarawak receiving RM737 million, according to Deputy Minister Ahmad Maslan.
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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed suggestions that a new BMW vehicle acquired recently was for his personal use, clarifying that the car belongs to the government and forms part of official state assets.
Malaysia's government has unveiled a RM29 million package aimed at enhancing FELDA settler welfare, including digital literacy programmes, school infrastructure repairs, and housing reforms to support the rural farming communities.
Malaysia's Home Ministry has committed more than RM429 million since 2023 to enhance personnel welfare and operational capacity across three key enforcement agencies in Johor, with projects ranging from completed initiatives to long-term infrastructure planning.
Malaysia's federal government has approved RM278.9 million in annual development spending for the fire and rescue department, enabling 86 projects nationwide. The allocation includes 27 new initiatives and 59 ongoing schemes.