RM611 Billion To Redesign Development Under 13MP – PM Anwar

Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today unveiled the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), a five-year national development roadmap that will see a total investment of RM611 billion from 2026 to 2030, aimed at transforming Malaysia into a more inclusive, sustainable, and technologically driven nation.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the 13MP is built on four core thrusts, namely diversifying the economy, boosting social mobility, accelerating public service reform, and improving people's wellbeing and environmental sustainability. Anwar emphasized the MADANI Government's new policy direction, highlighting the establishment of the MADANI Economy framework, which focuses on sustainability, the well-being of the people, and governance with integrity.

The plan is underpinned by three fundamental pillars: the formation of a sovereign and dignified nation, the development of a people-centric MADANI social system, and the transition into an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered economy. Of the RM611 billion set aside under the 13MP, RM430 billion will come from the government's development allocation, RM120 billion from government-linked companies and government-linked investment companies (GLCs and GLICs), and RM61 billion through public-private partnerships (PPPs).

More than half of the government allocation, or RM227 billion, will be directed toward the economic sector, while RM133 billion is earmarked for social sectors. This includes RM67 billion for education, RM40 billion for healthcare, RM51 billion for security, and RM17 billion for public administration. Anwar expressed a vision for Malaysia MADANI by 2030, where material achievements are matched by social harmony and a strong national identity.

The plan includes major public sector reforms, fiscal sustainability measures, and a strong push for digitalisation. MyDigital ID, a secure digital identity system, is set to simplify access to online public services, aiming for 95 per cent of federal services to be fully online by 2030. Infrastructure upgrades will support AI-driven growth and strategic investments in data centres, with 5G network coverage targeted to reach 98 per cent in populated and industrial areas.

The five-year plan also aims to create 1.2 million new jobs, split between the manufacturing and digital economy sectors. Anwar announced continued support for initiatives addressing the cost of living, including the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programs.

In education, RM67 billion will be allocated for building new schools, upgrading facilities, and expanding infrastructure at public higher education institutions. The government will also introduce the Perkasa TVET MADANI financing scheme and expand technical training opportunities to produce MADANI technocrats.

Public transport upgrades include new buses, demand-responsive transit vans, and new passenger train sets. Key infrastructure projects will continue, such as the Central Spine Road and the Pan Borneo Highway. Sabah and Sarawak will be positioned as national hubs for sustainable energy, with flagship projects like the Sarawak Hydrogen Hub enhancing regional competitiveness.

Development in the east coast states will focus on creating a national food production hub to reduce food import reliance. Anwar highlighted the need for a shift in mindset, viewing agriculture as a profitable economic opportunity, with agrofood value-added output expected to reach RM58 billion by 2030.

To ensure housing affordability, one million units will be built through collaborations between federal and state governments and private developers. The healthcare sector will receive RM40 billion to enhance accessibility and reduce expenses, with initiatives including hospital upgrades, generic medicine promotion, and expanded digital health records.

The government aims to reduce reliance on foreign workers and uplift the Orang Asli community by reviewing relevant legislation to improve their socio-economic standing. Anwar concluded his speech with a call for unity and commitment across all sectors to realize the 13MP.