Rakyat hope for budget that keeps up with rising cost of living

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians are looking forward to proactive measures to deal with the rising cost of living in the upcoming Budget 2026.

E-hailing driver and single mother of four, Khayrana Pilus, 45, said she hopes to see more financial assistance for single mothers.

“Working mothers, especially single mothers like me, are often those who slip between the gaps in the annual budget.

“When we lose our jobs, we are usually stuck without savings. We usually juggle a few jobs to ensure we have food on the table,” said Khayrana who also freelances as a writer and does part-time party decorations.

“I hope the government will look into an emergency fund for those who are retrenched.

“For the M40 group, they should be eligible for housing rent subsidies, as many don’t even own houses due to the skyrocketing prices in urban areas,” said Khayrana.

Dr Zafrina Burukan, a general practitioner and clinic owner, hopes for every Malaysian family to have enough in their monthly budget to afford healthy food, regular check-ups and insurance coverage, without having to compromise on other essentials.

“When families can invest in prevention, we avoid the higher costs of late-stage treatment and hospitalisation.

“We must ensure that the cost of living in Malaysia supports dignity, not just survival,” said Dr Zafrina, 41, mother of one.

Self-employed Shahrul Hafeez Seman, 55, urged the government to explore a single channel for entrepreneurs seeking government assistance and entrepreneurial initiatives.

“Nowadays, we have to go through many agencies to see what we are eligible for.

“On the home front, with school-going children, I hope the government reduces duties on imported books to encourage reading,” he said.

Student Heidi Khalisah Azwari, 21, said the government should stabilise housing development and rental rates.

“This can be done through vacancy tax, stringent development permits, freezing rent and regulating Airbnb to lower housing costs and increase demand. This is necessary to help young people access the housing market.

“I wish the government will also pump more into expanding the public bus network in the Klang Valley and in other states to assist youths like me to get around,” said Heidi.

Housewife Rita Jong, 47, said she looks forward to more rebates on school-related expenses.

“Tuition fees, books and uniforms for my two sons are already burning a hole in my pocket.”

She said a budget that ensures people would be able to set aside some savings would be most welcomed.

Budget 2026 is scheduled to be tabled in Parliament on Oct 10.