The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) will drive Malaysia’s next growth phase, focusing on high-value industries, private investment and flagship economic zones, with GDP targeted to expand between 4.5% and 5.5% annually.
Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir told the Dewan Rakyat that 2026 marks the first year of RMK13 implementation, serving as the government’s core framework to raise productivity and improve rakyat wellbeing.
Malaysia’s economy is estimated to have grown 4.9% in 2025, supported by domestic demand, inflation of 1.4% and unemployment at 2.9%.
He said growth in 2026 is projected at between 4.0% and 4.5%, driven by consumption, investment and a recovery in the global technology cycle, which is expected to support E&E exports and data centre investments.
Approved investments rose 13.2% to RM285.2 billion in the first nine months of 2025, reflecting continued investor confidence.
Under RMK13, the government is prioritising High Growth, High Value sectors, backed by the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, National Energy Transition Roadmap and National Semiconductor Strategy, alongside stronger R&D and innovation efforts.
Development expenditure for 2026 is set at RM83 billion, while total development allocation under RMK13 for 2026 to 2030 is projected at RM430 billion. Budget 2026 will also be supported by GLIC and public-private investments to sustain major projects while managing fiscal constraints.
As a flagship programme, the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) secured RM68 billion in approved investments in the first nine months of 2025, accounting for 75% of Johor’s total. A dedicated facilitation centre has received about 1,000 enquiries, with potential investments nearing RM73 billion. A JS-SEZ blueprint and masterplan are expected to be launched by end-March.
