Kuala lumpur: Budget 2026 will strengthen social protection and lift household resilience, while the investment focus will be on semiconductors, energy transition, digitalisation, startups, and the industries of tomorrow, said Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. He highlighted that the budget to be tabled on Friday would be about ‘protecting households from today’s pressures while laying the foundations for tomorrow’s growth.’

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Amir Hamzah emphasized that for families balancing the monthly budget or young Malaysians searching for their first job, uncertainty is a lived reality. Budget 2026 is designed with them at its heart. He made this statement in his closing address at the Khazanah Megatrends Forum (KMF) 2025.

He described the budget as an ‘opening act’ of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), charting Malaysia’s course from 2026 to 2030. The strategic directions include re-industrializing with the New Industrial Master Plan, leading in semiconductors through the National Semiconductor Strategy, accelerating energy transition, and embracing digitalisation and innovation. These strategies aim to secure better jobs, stronger businesses, and brighter opportunities for future generations.

The budget also aims to secure fiscal foundations by narrowing the fiscal deficit to 3.8 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) this year, reducing reliance on debt, and strengthening governance through the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2023 and new laws on transparency.

Amir Hamzah stated that the 13MP is not just an economic plan but a plan for Malaysians. It promises better jobs for workers, more affordable living for households, stronger support for small businesses, and more opportunities for young people to succeed at home.

He also noted Malaysia’s economic resilience despite global challenges, citing record foreign direct investments, a stronger ringgit, improved competitiveness, falling unemployment, and low inflation.