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Image credit: The Edge Malaysia

PUTRAJAYA: Budget 2026, to be tabled on Oct 10, will focus on enhancing Malaysia's competitive edge in high-value industries such as semiconductors, renewable energy, the Islamic economy, digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence (AI), while also raising the floor through inclusive and targeted measures.

The budget – the fourth under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's leadership – will be the first to support the development policy framework of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).

At the start of the first engagement session this morning, which saw the participation of nearly 300 stakeholders from various sectors, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the upcoming budget aims to reflect the aspirations of all Malaysians.

"Budget 2026 is the first to support the 13MP. The measures introduced will continue to raise both the ceiling and the floor, grounded in good governance," he said.

Despite the ringgit emerging as one of Asia's best-performing currencies – strengthening to RM4.23 against the US dollar, a nearly five per cent gain as of Aug 5 – the government remains committed to taking Malaysia to greater heights.

Amir Hamzah said Malaysia's regional competitiveness remained intact, following the United States' decision to lower tariffs to 19 per cent – rates now on par with those granted to regional peers such as Indonesia, Cambodia, and Thailand.

To further build economic resilience, the government will prioritise empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to produce goods and services that are distinctly "Made by Malaysia."

He added that Budget 2026 will also focus on raising the floor – through improved delivery of government services, reforms in education and healthcare, enhanced social protection, and targeted assistance for vulnerable groups.

This morning's session also served as a platform to gather feedback on improving the ease of doing business in Malaysia.

Budget 2026 is the first to be developed based on policies introduced during Anwar's administration – rather than those inherited from previous governments.

Source: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/08/1256663/budget-2026-sharpen-malaysias-edge-high-value-sectors