Malaysia Sets 10 Focus Areas in Pre-Budget Statement 2027
The Finance Ministry has released its Pre-Budget Statement 2027 on 18 August, outlining 10 priorities that will guide consultations ahead of the tabling of Budget 2027 on 9 October. The national budget will be the fifth under the MADANI administration. The national budget’s priorities include addressing cost-of-living pressures, strengthening social protection, improving healthcare and education, supporting wage and skills development, and enhancing business competitiveness. Under these new priorities, the government plans to continue targeted aid and subsidy rationalization efforts. Expectations include continued cost-of-living assistance, support for productivity-enhancing investments, and a focus on implementing existing reforms rather than introducing major new taxes. Budget 2027 will emphasize workforce development through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), digitalization, AI adoption, and efforts to increase female labor force participation.
PM Anwar Ibrahim launched Budget 2027 public consultation sessions with businesses, civil society, think tanks, and academia as part of the consultation process. Nearly 400 stakeholders participated in the initial session held in August. The Ministry of Finance also opened the Budget 2027 consultation portal on 18 August to solicit public feedback and policy recommendations. USABC will submit recommendations through the consultation process.