Kuala lumpur: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) is set to prioritize green digital transformation, high-tech industry modernization, and artificial intelligence (AI) empowerment as part of strategies to bolster economic resilience and sustainable development.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Professor Datuk Dr Nik Maheran Nik Muhammad from Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) expects the 13MP to align with key policies like the MADANI Economy framework, National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), and New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP). She anticipates a focus on green technology, economic digitalization, skilled human capital development, rural community well-being, and bridging socio-economic disparities.
Infrastructure development is projected to play a crucial role, with initiatives such as expanding green transport networks, renewable energy systems, and high-speed internet in rural regions.
In education, the emphasis is expected to remain on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), digital education, and future-ready skill curriculum development. In healthcare, preventive care, telemedicine, and the digitization of national health records are likely to be prioritized to enhance service delivery.
Dr. Nik Maheran also highlighted potential enhancements in security through digital transformation, including AI and drone usage. She suggested the introduction of a microinsurance scheme for the B40 group, gig workers, and micro-entrepreneurs to strengthen social protection.
Addressing global issues like the U.S. tariff on Malaysian products, she emphasized the importance of innovation, automation, and value-added green product production to minimize economic impact and ensure long-term resilience. Support for SMEs in digitalization and transitioning to a green economy was also underscored, as they constitute a significant portion of the national economy.
Professor Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) added that 13MP should deliver tangible benefits through social policy empowerment and developmental justice, tackling regional disparities and inequalities, and promoting sustainability and digitalization.
He anticipates the 13MP to be a more inclusive strategic plan aligned with the MADANI vision, influenced by guiding documents like MADANI Economy: Empowering the People, NETR, NIMP 2030, and others.
The plan is expected to focus on balanced development in Sabah and Sarawak, digital transformation, green economy initiatives, education reform, food and energy security, and strengthening the post-COVID-19 public health system.
To address economic inequality and living costs, the 13MP is likely to introduce comprehensive subsidy reform, social protection expansion, and economic mobility improvement for vulnerable groups, aligning with the government’s commitment to equitable growth for social justice and political stability.
The 13MP is scheduled for presentation in Parliament on July 31.