Kuala lumpur: Budget 2026 will incorporate key elements of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), which sets out the country’s priorities, Finance Ministry II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said. The budget, to be tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Oct 10, will be the first under 13MP and will align with both the plan and the MADANI Economy framework, he said.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Amir Hamzah emphasized the need for reforms to strengthen sectors such as housing, education, and health. He stressed that Budget 2026 will include these elements to propel Malaysia’s development. This was highlighted during his interaction with reporters after launching the Public Finance and Economy Week (MEKA) 2025.

In his earlier speech, Amir Hamzah, who also serves as the Acting Minister of Economy, highlighted Malaysia’s latest economic performance. He noted that the gross domestic product grew 4.4 percent in the first half of 2025, while trade was valued at RM1.46 trillion, with a current account surplus of RM17 billion. Inflation moderated to 1.3 percent in August, down from 1.9 percent a year earlier, while unemployment fell to 3.0 percent, reflecting stronger labor market conditions.

He further remarked on the improvement in household incomes, noting that the average monthly income rose to RM9,155 in 2024 from RM7,901 in 2019. The absolute poverty rate declined to 5.8 percent from 8.4 percent in 2020. Amir Hamzah also emphasized the importance of civil servants understanding the objectives and spirit behind each priority, strategy, and initiative outlined in 13MP.

He expressed confidence in achieving success if all parties collaborate rather than working in silos, especially on initiatives that cut across ministries. The two-day MEKA 2025 event brings together more than 700 participants from the public service, academia, industry, and civil society to discuss the priorities and strategies of 13MP across five forums.