KUALA LUMPUR – The government will allocate RM5.9 billion for research, development, commercialisation, and innovation (RDCI) in artificial intelligence (AI), said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the tabling of Budget 2026 in Parliament today.
He said the funds will be channelled to boost RDCI initiatives across various ministries to accelerate Malaysia’s adoption of AI and other emerging technologies.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will receive RM2 billion to develop a sovereign AI cloud for Putrajaya, aimed at strengthening data security and supporting AI-driven governance.
In addition, the MCMC will establish an AI Transformation Centre in collaboration with Multimedia University (MMU), as well as a Centre of Excellence in Ethics for Emerging Technologies to serve as a research and development hub.
Meanwhile, grants totalling RM53 million will be provided to promote the adoption of advanced technologies such as AI, blockchain, and quantum computing in the country. – October 10, 2025