Kuala lumpur: The Special Task Force on Agency Reform (STAR) has been allocated RM25 million under Budget 2026 to focus on comprehensive digitalisation of public services, as well as to accelerate infrastructure development and innovations. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim highlighted the reform agenda's success, driven through STAR, which has coordinated over 1,000 projects or programmes. This initiative has resulted in saving compliance costs of up to RM1.1 billion and helping Malaysia climb 11 spots in the World Competitiveness Index.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Prime Minister emphasized that the STAR team's internal expertise has allowed governance reforms to be implemented swiftly without appointing external consultants. During the Budget 2026 presentation in the Dewan Rakyat, Anwar outlined that the Finance Minister announced MyDigital ID aims to reach 15 million users by the year's end, expanding its implementation to sectors like finance, telecommunications, e-commerce, and healthcare.
The GovTech Malaysia Unit has been strengthened to develop more government digital applications to improve service efficiency. Anwar also mentioned that MADANI Kiosks would be gradually set up in all states, enabling public access to government services outside office hours. Currently, three MADANI Kiosks have been installed in the Klang Valley, with plans to install two more in Penang and Johor.
Additionally, RM76.6 million has been allocated to enhance Urban Transformation Centres (UTCs), making them more accessible and user-friendly. The 24th UTC is set to be launched in Seberang Perai this November. Anwar also addressed the importance of equipping Malaysia's foreign service with well-maintained embassy offices. Consequently, RM31.5 million has been allocated for maintaining and replacing damaged embassy assets, particularly in Wellington and Singapore.
The MADANI Mobile Services initiative will receive over RM110 million to ensure rural and remote communities have direct access to government services. Public university students from fields such as science, engineering, medicine, and nursing will visit villages to provide community support services, including repair works, health screenings, and promoting STEM education in schools.
The Sabah and Sarawak Mobile Community Services are set to expand to 19 new areas, including Kampung Karamuak in Sabah and Telang Usan in Sarawak. Furthermore, Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) will add four more mobile banking units, increasing the total to 20, to better serve rural populations in Sabah, Sarawak, Pahang, and Perak, especially focusing on over one million recipients of the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR).
The Mobile Court initiative will also expand to include Mobile Labour Courts and Mobile Children's Courts, equipped with child-friendly witness rooms and modified vehicles serving as fully functional courtrooms.