Kuala lumpur: Budget 2026, which highlights governance reforms and subsidy retargeting, showcases the government's administrative efficiency in generating savings that return directly to the people, according to Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. The budget emphasizes programs like Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA), Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR), and Back-to-School Assistance, underscoring the MADANI government's commitment to citizen welfare during fiscal consolidation.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi noted that effective governance reduces leakages and wastage, with subsidy savings redirecting benefits to the populace. He credited firm anti-smuggling measures for boosting national revenue, saving RM15.5 billion since the previous year. A notable reform is free education for eligible students under the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN). Fahmi also advised reviewing the budget's full text for additional items not covered in the Prime Minister's speech.
In the communications sector, RM2 billion is allocated for the MADANI Submarine Cable Connectivity (SALAM) project via the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), replacing the 1Malaysia People's Cable System (SKR1M). This ensures connectivity between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak. The budget also supports developing a sovereign cloud by MCMC and allocates funds for creative content through MyCreative Ventures and the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS).
Fahmi described Budget 2026 as proof of successful government reforms balancing fiscal prudence with social priorities. The theme 'Belanjawan MADANI Keempat: Belanjawan Rakyat' (Fourth MADANI Budget: A Budget for the People) aims to optimize national resources, mobilizing funds from government-linked investment companies, federal statutory bodies, and Minister of Finance Incorporated companies. The total public expenditure amounts to RM470 billion, an increase from RM452 billion in the previous budget.
The Prime Minister detailed the budget's structure, including RM338.2 billion in federal operating expenditure, RM81 billion in federal development expenditure, RM30 billion in GLIC investments, RM10 billion in public-private investments, and RM10.8 billion in investments by federal statutory bodies and MKD companies.