Kuala lumpur: The government has been urged to focus on creating high-quality, high-impact job opportunities through Budget 2027 to increase the people's disposable income. Prof Dr Mohd Abdullah Jusoh, of the Department of Logistics Management and Business Administration, Faculty of Defence Studies and Management, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM), emphasized the need for economic stimulus measures to empower the workforce with skills for self-reliance and higher income potential.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Abdullah highlighted the effectiveness of financial assistance schemes like Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) in alleviating financial burdens and providing an immediate economic boost. However, he advocated for a long-term strategy focusing on new economic engines rather than mere aid provision, emphasizing the importance of creating job opportunities that allow individuals to become self-sufficient.
Commenting on the national economic outlook, Mohd Abdullah noted Malaysia's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of six per cent in the second quarter of 2026, surpassing World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates of between 2.5 and three per cent. He stressed the importance of balancing aggregate economic growth with efforts to ensure that prosperity directly benefits households through higher wages and stronger purchasing power.
Regarding the national inflation rate of 1.8 per cent, he commended government interventions for effectively preventing sharp price increases in staple food items. Although prices remain controlled, he acknowledged the impact of any increase on the B40 and vulnerable groups, noting that even minor price hikes affect these populations.
Mohd Abdullah expressed hopes for Budget 2027 to emphasize the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem and the gig economy, advocating for their development into sustainable professional career pathways for youth. He emphasized the need for both private and public sectors to create job opportunities based on growth, sustainability, and value addition to ensure the nation's long-term economic prosperity.