Malaysia’s government on Friday pledged to build more hospitals, upgrade airports, expand rural digital access and help youth boost their income, as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim unveiled a record budget with an eye on coming state elections.
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Anwar’s administration plans to spend a total of 470 billion ringgit (US$111.4 billion) next year – up nearly 4 per cent from this year – part of which will go to upgrading rural infrastructure, helping start-ups and encouraging entrepreneurship among the youth.
Funds are also aimed at bridging the rural-urban divide by expanding education and healthcare access in the country’s remote regions.
The focus on public well-being underscores the growing pressure on Anwar to win over a sceptical vote base, as his government coalition faces a series of state polls seen as a temperature test of public support midway into his term.
“The Madani Economic Framework is for the rakyat, to ensure we have the capacity to provide amenities for the rakyat, create jobs, generate income and ease the cost of living,” Anwar said in his speech when tabling the budget in parliament, using his government tagline which roughly translates from Malay to civilisation.
The government will set aside 81 billion ringgit for development spending, with a focus on rural road and digital connectivity, expanding primary healthcare access for far-flung regions and increasing cash aid for the most vulnerable groups, according to its economic outlook released ahead of the budget.
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