Budget will ensure continued growth, putting people ‘at the centre’, says Khazanah

 The sovereign wealth fund welcomes initiatives to help people tackle the rising cost of living, raise wages, and expand opportunities.

Khazanah Nasional Bhd’s managing director, Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir, said the 2027 budget ‘remains firmly inclusive’. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Khazanah Nasional Bhd says the 2027 budget will ensure that Malaysia continues to build its long-term competitiveness and economic growth, while putting people “at the centre” through efforts to help them navigate the rising cost of living, raise wages, and expand opportunities.

Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir, managing director of the sovereign wealth fund, said the budget remains firmly inclusive, recognising that national development must benefit all layers of society, including workers, youth, entrepreneurs, Bumiputera companies, MSMEs, and communities that require greater resilience in the face of economic and climate-related challenges.

Amirul said the budget comes at an important time for Malaysia, as the country continues to navigate a volatile global environment marked by geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain pressures, and elevated fuel prices arising from the West Asia conflict.

“The budget places emphasis not only on growth, but on quality growth,” he said in a statement.

“Its focus on strategic sectors such as semiconductors, energy transition, infrastructure, enterprise development and talent reflects the government’s commitment to building a stronger, more competitive and future-ready economy.

“These priorities are critical to deepening Malaysia’s industrial base, enhancing economic complexity, and creating higher-value opportunities for businesses and workers.”

Amirul said Khazanah’s Dana Warisan investments under the broader Warisan KL initiative remain of vital importance to the fund, as witnessed by the ongoing restoration initiatives at Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad Complex and Carcosa.

He said Khazanah is pleased to work closely with the Penang and Selangor state governments in a joint effort to strengthen Malaysia’s semiconductor and advanced manufacturing ecosystem, and support the growth of high-potential Malaysian firms.

According to him, Penang, Selangor and Khazanah will each allocate RM50 million in the strategic investment fund with an initial fund size of RM150 million.

He also said the budget’s emphasis on vendor growth, innovation, and entry into new markets reinforces opportunities for Bumiputera business expansion.

“In support of this, Dana Ciptawan will be expanded to RM250 million in collaboration with Teraju (the Bumiputera agenda steering unit) to support the growth of Bumiputera and Malaysian mid-tier companies,” he said. - FMT