Hanoi:Dewan Rakyat Proposals to enhance the fuel subsidy targeting mechanism, improve education and school safety, and bolster public welfare were discussed during the first day of the policy-stage debate on the Supply Bill 2027.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the debate engaged 13 government and opposition Members of Parliament and also addressed national fiscal management, rural economic development, racial composition in the civil service, and improvements in healthcare and elderly care facilities.
Rushdan Rusmi (PN-Padang Besar) recommended that the government implement a dynamic oil price threshold mechanism. By setting a specific Brent crude price level, this mechanism would trigger a re-evaluation of fuel subsidy rates and provide targeted extra cash assistance if oil prices rise significantly. He stressed the importance of redirecting savings from subsidy targeting back to the public through initiatives like Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA), along with enhancing fiscal discipline and cross-border economic development in Perlis.
Ahmad Johnie Zawawi (GPS-Igan) called on the Ministry of Education (MOE) to fairly assess rural schools in Sarawak, considering challenges such as transportation and basic infrastructure. He suggested maintaining the current status of schools under proposed category changes for two years pending a comprehensive review and upgrading schools reliant on river transport. Additionally, he highlighted the need for more classrooms and teachers, particularly for the Integrated Special Education Programme, and urged that electrical safety audits be expedited for schools with critical defects.
Datuk Matbali Musah (GRS-Sipitang) requested upgrades for the hall at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Gadong and additional classrooms at Sekolah Kebangsaan Long Pasia. Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan (PN-Permatang Pauh) urged the MOE to extend school security guard contracts to assist students crossing roads and provide insurance coverage for guards.
Datuk Ewon Benedick (GRS-Penampang) emphasized that Sabah's development allocations should be disbursed in the first quarter with procurement completed by the second quarter to start projects within the year, taking into account Sabah's specific needs and the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
Datuk Dr Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan) highlighted a water supply crisis affecting nearly 100,000 residents and proposed acquiring six water tanker trucks to mitigate disruptions. RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) suggested increasing the recruitment of Malaysian Chinese and Indians in the civil service to balance racial composition.
The Dewan Rakyat session will continue tomorrow.