Budget 2027 debate begins as MPs press government on healthcare, exports and unpaid KPF shares

THE government’s response to outstanding share redemption payments owed to more than 9,000 members of Koperasi Permodalan Felda Malaysia Berhad (KPF) will come under scrutiny in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Oct 12), as MPs begin debating Budget 2027.

Kamal Ashaari (PN-Kuala Krau) will ask the Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister to detail the monitoring measures and interventions to ensure the cooperative settles the payments, including whether a timeline has been set for disbursement.

The issue will be raised alongside questions on access to rural healthcare, Malaysia’s dependence on electrical and electronics (E&E) exports and efforts to curb cross-border smuggling, according to Parliament’s Order of Business.

Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias (BN-Jelebu) will ask the Health Minister to explain measures to narrow the gap in access to doctors, specialists and diagnostic facilities between urban hospitals and rural healthcare centres.

Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan (PN-Permatang Pauh) will seek details from the Investment, Trade and Industry Minister on strategies to diversify Malaysia’s export base, given that the E&E sector accounts for nearly half of total exports, and how the country would respond if the global semiconductor cycle weakens.

Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Tampin) will seek clarification on the proposed first MARA hospital, including its location, planned bed capacity, medical specialisations, estimated development cost, funding and expected start of operations.

Rushdan Rusmi (PN-Padang Besar) will question the Home Minister on integrated measures to combat people smuggling and the movement of drugs and prohibited goods through unofficial routes along the Perlis border, including action against syndicates.

Jimmy Puah Wee Tse (PH-Tebrau) will ask about the government’s long-term climate policies and the implementation timeline for the postponed carbon tax, with a focus on maintaining Malaysia’s competitiveness in a low-carbon economy.

The sitting also marks the start of the policy-stage debate on the Supply Bill 2027, tabled by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Oct 9.

The debate is scheduled to run from Oct 12 to 22, followed by four days of ministerial winding-up beginning Oct 26. The 37-day sitting is scheduled to end on Dec 8. - October 12, 2026