Kuala Lumpur: Budget 2027 should be measured by its impact on household purchasing power, wages, jobs and public services rather than the size of government allocations, said an academic.
Taylor’s University Senior Lecturer Paul Anthony Maria Das (pic) said cost of living must remain an immediate priority, with food, housing, healthcare, education, childcare and transport taking up a substantial share of household income.
He said assistance such as Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) remained important, but stronger productivity and real wage growth were needed as a more sustainable solution.
Paul said business and investment incentives should be linked more closely to productivity, employee training, wage progression and the creation of skilled Malaysian jobs.
He said Budget 2027 should ultimately be better targeted, transparent and accountable so Malaysians could see its benefits through stronger purchasing power, better wages, quality employment and improved public services.
