Jamie Ling, Group Chief Executive Officer of AmBank Group, said: “This is a budget of disciplined continuity. It supports growth without losing sight of fiscal responsibility. It also gives households and businesses greater confidence to plan, spend and invest.”
The Budget projects economic growth of 4.2% to 5.2% in 2027. It also aims to reduce the fiscal deficit to 3.3% of gross domestic product, from 3.6% in 2026.
Support for households remains important. Higher cash aid, tax relief and wage-related measures should help protect purchasing power and support private consumption.
For small and medium-sized enterprises, financing guarantees through SJPP and CGC have been increased by RM2 billion to RM32 billion, improving access to liquidity and supports business expansion. Measures for automation, digitalisation and artificial intelligence can also help companies lower costs and raise productivity. Higher wages and higher productivity must move together. Businesses need finance, technology and skills so that better pay is sustainable.
The investment measures cover strategic sectors, venture and mid-tier funds, digital infrastructure, energy transition and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone. These initiatives can deepen Malaysia’s role in regional supply chains and attract higher-value investment. The quality of investment matters as much as the amount. The real gain comes when projects create skilled jobs, stronger local suppliers and new capability in Malaysia.
