KUALA LUMPUR: Budget 2026 has been described as "giving back to the rakyat" as whatever savings the government makes is returned to the people.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said that Budget 2026 emphasised good governance to ensure that government fiscal responsibility and expenditure are done accordingly.
"Whatever savings that we have made is returned to the rakyat.
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"This will give credence to the nation's economic foundations where we protect the interests of the rakyat and the future to achieve prosperity for the nation," he said at a press conference in Parliament on Friday (Oct 10).
He added that Budget 2026 also prioritises sustainable expenditure and that prudent financial management and transparency will help spur investor confidence and the nation's economic resilience.
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Fadillah also noted that this was the first time Sabah and Sarawak have been provided with special development allocation.
He said that Sabah was allocated RM6.9bil and RM6bil for Sarawak, in addition to the national development allocation announced under Budget 2026.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Budget 2026 reflected the government's continued emphasis on fiscal responsibility and its commitment to the well-being of the people.
"The budget is not only aimed at protecting the rakyat from global challenges but also represents an investment for their future" he said.
Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs the National Disaster Management Committee, noted that RM460mil was allocated to strengthen the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma).
He said this would improve Nadma's preparedness for the year-end monsoon season.
Ahmad Zahid also said the agenda to strengthen the bumiputra economy remains an important core of national development, which is why the government allocated RM6bil for Mara, Yayasan Peneraju and UiTM.
