Siena:The Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (MITRA) will see an increase in its allocation from RM100 million to RM150 million under Budget 2027. This increase aims to ensure that programs benefiting the Indian community, such as skills training for youths, are effectively supported.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Treasury secretary-general Tan Sri Johan Mahmood Merican emphasized the government's focus on improving MITRA's governance to ensure funds are directed towards programs benefiting the intended target groups. Additionally, the allocation for Tamil national-type schools has been increased to RM50 million under the same budget.
Support for the Indian community is further bolstered by RM100 million in funding through the Indian Community Entrepreneur Development Scheme (SPUMI) under TEKUN Nasional for the following year, alongside RM50 million in microcredit loans under Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia for Indian women entrepreneurs. Training programs under the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) are also available to enhance the community's skills and economic opportunities.
Johan outlined that Budget 2027 considers the varying needs of different states and communities, with programs tailored to their specific circumstances. For the Bumiputera community, efforts include strengthening Yayasan Peneraju and increasing the value of small contracts for G1 to G4 contractors from RM4 billion to RM7.4 billion. For the Chinese community, increased allocations are planned for Chinese national-type schools, trust accounts, and business financing for micro, small, and medium enterprises.
The government is also focusing on supporting gig economy workers, including those in e-hailing services, to increase their income and improve their welfare and social protection.
Infrastructure and economic development in Sabah and Sarawak will continue according to each state’s needs, addressing gaps in basic amenities and supporting regional economic growth. Sabah is prioritizing road development and improvements to water and electricity supplies, while Sarawak focuses on infrastructure and industrial area development, including the Sabah-Sarawak Link Road (SSLR), healthcare facilities, and economic zone development.
Under Budget 2027, Sabah has been allocated RM18.7 billion, and Sarawak will receive RM16.2 billion. Johan stressed the importance of aligning project implementation with local priorities to ensure development expenditure benefits residents and stimulates economic activities in both states.
On Friday, Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim presented Budget 2027, themed "Reaching for the Sky, Rooted in the Ground," with government expenditure totalling RM459.8 billion, complemented by investments from various sources, bringing the total fiscal package to RM510 billion. The Fifth MADANI Budget aims to translate economic growth into tangible benefits for the people through improved wages, more efficient assistance, stronger fiscal discipline, and the development of higher-value industries.