Amirudin (sixth from left) posing with state officials before tabling Selangor Budget 2026 in Shah Alam. — KK SHAM/The Star
STAKEHOLDERS welcome the focus on the social sector in Selangor Budget 2026.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said on Friday that the state would table a deficit budget, projecting RM2.8bil in revenue against RM3.23bil in estimated expenditure.
He said the estimated development expenditure for 2026 would focus on the social sector, in contrast to previous years which were typically driven by the infrastructure sector.
A total of RM1.37bil, or 42.4%, is allocated for development expenditure.
Amirudin said the increased allocation for social sector – amounting to RM360mil or 30% – was intended to prepare for the challenges expected next year, including a possible global economic recession.
Section 6 Rukun Tetangga chairman Rajesh Mansukhlal urged relevant agencies to go to the ground to ensure that deserving poor families received the extensive welfare aid proposed by the state.
“Use accurate data to ensure proper distribution,” he told StarMetro.
Amirudin also announced that Selangor would continue its School Assistance Programme next year with an allocation of RM30mil, benefitting national, vernacular, religious, Chinese private secondary, and mission schools.
The state had also allocated RM40mil to provide quality public healthcare access, especially for low- and middle-income groups.
For the Indian community, the state had allocated RM2.7mil for the B40 Indian Community Education Development Programme – RM1.2mil for SJK (T) school bus subsidies and RM1.5mil for higher education tuition assistance.
The Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (Limas) allocation for Orang Asli and non-Islamic religious development stands at RM8mil, and RM1mil has been set aside for a crematorium in Kuala Selangor.
To address unemployment, the JobCare Career Carnival would be continued, along with support for certification and skills programmes, backed by RM1mil.
Micro-entrepreneurs can receive up to RM30,000 in equipment support under the Selangor Madani Entrepreneur Fund, which continues with an allocation of RM2mil.
Muda central executive committee member VKK Raja lauded the investments in skills training, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and higher education support.
However, he stressed the need for stronger industry partnerships to close the gap between formal education and the needs of employers.
He said young people needed practical pathways into stable employment, and that industry collaboration was key.
“Support for SMEs and entrepreneurship is also welcome, but access remains uneven,” said Raja.
“The state government should ensure that grants and training opportunities reach smaller operators outside major cities.”
One of the larger portions of the budget – RM54.34mil – is dedicated to strengthening flood-mitigation efforts across major river basins.
It includes 17 new projects.
“A healthy allocation for flood mitigation is good, but proper monitoring systems must be in place such as early detection and support mechanisms,” Raja said.
For 2026, RM130mil has been allocated specifically for Selangor State Infrastructure Development Projects, covering road upgrade works, drainage system improvements, installation of streetlights and traffic lights, and enhancements to road safety measures.
Rajesh welcomed the RM55mil allocation for the mega road-resurfacing programme.
“Areas like Petaling Jaya New Town often get resurfaced roads, but places like Taman Medan and PJS suffer frequent potholes due to high population density and heavier road wear. These areas need equal priority.”
Amirudin announced the statewide introduction of the Environmentally Friendly Assessment Tax Rebate.
Starting next year, Selangor residents who instal green features may receive up to a 100% tax rebate for the 2026 assessment year, subject to verification by local councils.
Each city council would receive RM1mil in tax exemption funds, municipal councils RM200,000 and the Sabak Bernam District Council RM100,000.
The programme was implemented by Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) since 2011.
Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lim Yi Wei suggested a dedicated score sheet for suburban areas.
“We should also explore eco-friendly agricultural practices in rural areas and consider tax rebates for those adopting them,” she said.
Selangor recorded a 65.4% decrease in dengue cases from January to October this year compared to 2024.
Deaths dropped from 14 to six.
A sum of RM4mil has been allocated to strengthen intervention and prevention efforts.
State allocation increased for mental health from RM700,000 to RM1.5mil for initiatives including the Talian Sehat psychosocial hotline, subsidised psychiatric treatment and Sehat Hub counsellors providing free weekly sessions across districts.
As of Dec 31, 2024, the Selangor State Government Consolidated Fund – comprising the Consolidated Revenue Account and the Consolidated Trust Account – recorded RM4.132bil.
The budget is expected to be debated today at the Selangor State Assembly sitting.
