Kuala Perlis: Efforts to improve the capacity of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and mastery of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) among youth are needed to build the domestic economic resilience of Malaysia. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the importance of prioritizing fields such as engineering, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital technologies to enable Malaysia to achieve this goal.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Prime Minister Anwar highlighted the need for Malaysia to focus on economic developments without getting distracted by divisive issues, which could undermine the nation's progress. Speaking at the Perlis State-Level Aidilfitri MADANI 2025 Celebration, Anwar urged Malaysians to think about the future, aiming to elevate the country's status and strength to face current challenges.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including the Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, the Raja Perempuan of Perlis Tuanku Tengku Fauziah, the Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, and the Raja Puan Muda of Perlis Tuanku Dr. Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil. Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail were also present.
Anwar, also serving as the Minister of Finance, announced a significant increase in the development allocation from the federal government to Perlis, which saw a 65 percent rise to RM645.58 million last year. The allocation for 2023 is RM596.82 million, following RM391.91 million in 2022. The annual grants for Perlis have also increased, reaching RM210.6 million in 2024, marking a 25 percent increase.
The Basic Rahmah Contribution Programme (SARA) in Perlis saw a rise in beneficiaries, with the number reaching 62,292 people as of April, compared to 25,682 recipients the previous year.
Earlier, the Prime Minister chaired a Special State Development Meeting with the Menteri Besar of Perlis and leaders from the state and federal governments. Anwar, in a Facebook post, stressed the need for expedited approval and implementation of projects, urging agencies to tighten monitoring and hold accountable those delaying projects.
The meeting addressed several state development priorities, including infrastructure, flood control, tourism, ports, and education. Projects highlighted included the development of Sanglang port, the reconstruction of Sekolah Kebangsaan Chuping, the completion of the Sekolah Sukan Malaysia Perlis project, and upgrading the Chuping flood reservoir.
Prime Minister Anwar called for innovative thinking to overcome bureaucratic obstacles, expedite the resolution of public issues, and strengthen the country's economic resilience, ultimately enhancing Malaysia's global standing.