KUALA LUMPUR: Budget 2027 underscores the government's commitment to supporting rural communities and the working class, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the RM12.6bil allocation for his ministry, a slight increase from the previous Budget, would be channelled into programmes that deliver a meaningful impact to target groups.
“What is important for us is to implement programmes that deliver significant impact to our target groups,” he said after the tabling of Budget 2027 in the Dewan Rakyat on Friday (Oct 9).
He said the Budget continued to give attention to existing programmes and high-impact initiatives for the Orang Asli community, as well as rural infrastructure development and improved connectivity.
Zahid, who also chairs the Cabinet committee on entrepreneurship development, highlighted the RM7.9bil allocation for technical and vocational education and training (TVET), including efforts to strengthen TVET 2.0.
“We are focusing on robotics and improving employment opportunities and employability. We will also expand courses that are relevant and have better market prospects,” he said.
He said Budget 2027 also supported the halal industry, export growth and the development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), adding that strengthening entrepreneurs was crucial to expanding exports.
Zahid also welcomed measures aimed at easing financial pressures on the M40 group, whose disposable income and purchasing power have been affected by high financial commitments.
He highlighted the proposed minimum wage requirement for companies with annual turnover exceeding RM100mil, as well as salary premiums for civil servants and skilled workers.
“I believe this is a change that will be very well received by civil servants and those with professional skills,” he said.
Zahid said he appreciated the increase in his ministry's allocation despite its additional funding needs, adding that he understood the country's financial constraints.
