KUALA LUMPUR – Budget 2026 will focus on strengthening social protection, enhancing household resilience, and investing in key sectors such as semiconductors, energy transition, digitalisation, startups, and the industries of the future, announced Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.
He explained that the upcoming budget, to be tabled on Friday, is designed to both “protect households from today’s pressures while laying the foundations for tomorrow’s growth.”
“For families balancing the monthly budget or young Malaysians seeking their first job, uncertainty is not an idea; it is a lived reality. Budget 2026 is designed with them at its heart,” he said during his closing address at the Khazanah Megatrends Forum (KMF) 2025 held here today, as quoted by Bernama.
Amir Hamzah emphasised that the budget is not a standalone initiative but an “opening act” for the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), setting Malaysia’s course from 2026 to 2030.
“Our direction is clear. Malaysia will re-industrialise through the New Industrial Master Plan, lead in semiconductors with the National Semiconductor Strategy, accelerate the energy transition, and embrace digitalisation and innovation,” he said.
“All these strategies share one goal: to secure better jobs, stronger businesses, and brighter opportunities for our children. The budget also ensures our fiscal foundations – narrowing the fiscal deficit to 3.8% of GDP this year, reducing reliance on debt, and strengthening governance through the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2023 and new transparency laws.”
The minister noted that the 13MP would not only serve as an economic blueprint but as a comprehensive plan for the people of Malaysia. “For workers, it means better jobs. For households, more affordable living. For small businesses, stronger support to grow. For the young, more opportunities to stay and succeed at home,” he added.
Amir Hamzah also highlighted the resilience of Malaysia’s economy, stating, “Even as global challenges persist, Malaysia has shown remarkable resilience, with record foreign direct investments, a stronger ringgit, improved competitiveness, declining unemployment, and low inflation.” – October 7, 2025