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THE government has reaffirmed its commitment to steering the nation through the first year of the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), with a clear focus on national well-being and sustainable economic development.
Acknowledging contributions from 37 Members of Parliament during the parliamentary debate, Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah expressed gratitude to those who discussed policy matters under his portfolio.
“RMK13 is the Government’s pledge to the people that the future will not be left adrift, but guided by a clear vision rooted in MADANI values,” Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said, referencing the Royal Address on January 19, which emphasised education, housing, healthcare, and public transport as core priorities.
Despite global economic uncertainties, Malaysia’s economy has demonstrated resilience.
The Minister highlighted that robust growth in high-value, high-growth industries, supported by initiatives such as the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP), the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), and the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS), has strengthened competitiveness and stability.
“The economy is projected to grow by 4.9 per cent in 2025, driven mainly by domestic demand, with the services and manufacturing sectors leading the expansion. Inflation remains stable at 1.4 per cent, and unemployment is low at 2.9 per cent,” he noted.
Looking ahead to 2026, the economy is forecast to expand between 4.0 and 4.5 per cent, supported by domestic consumption, investment, stable employment growth, and rising global technology demand, particularly in electrical and electronics exports and data centre investment.
Investor confidence remains strong, with approved investment in the first nine months of 2025 rising 13.2 per cent to RM285.2 billion.
The Minister reaffirmed that RMK13 is designed to raise the ceiling through high-value growth while lifting the floor by improving citizens’ welfare and governance.
“Growth alone is insufficient if it does not improve living standards, especially in addressing the two-tier economy that widens income disparities,” he said.
To mitigate the cost of living, the government has introduced initiatives including the Tunai Rahmah and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah programmes, providing more than RM15 billion to over eight million recipients, alongside targeted support for the vulnerable, including people with disabilities and senior citizens, totalling RM3.1 billion.
Other measures include the Payung Rahmah initiative and price harmonisation programmes in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan.
Socioeconomic planning will employ multiple indicators, such as the Malaysian Wellbeing Index (MyWI), the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), Sustainable Development Goals metrics, and food self-sufficiency levels, to ensure policy success translates into tangible improvements in citizens’ quality of life.
In terms of employment and wages, RMK13 targets a median salary of RM3,500 by 2030, building on an increase from RM2,602 in 2023 to RM2,793 in 2024.
The share of compensation to GDP is projected to reach 40 per cent by 2030. Minimum wages have been raised to RM1,700 per month, and public service salaries have been adjusted under the Public Service Remuneration System to increase take-home pay and productivity.
Additionally, the government has implemented a Progressive Wage Policy, covering over 51,000 employees, and ensured that GLCs set minimum starting salaries of RM3,100 for 153,000 workers.
RMK13 further prioritises high-value, high-growth sectors, restructuring TVET education to meet industry needs, expanding retraining programmes, and integrating AI and advanced technologies into skill development.
“Efforts will ensure the workforce remains competitive in the new economy,” the Minister said.
On poverty alleviation, Akmal said, Malaysia has made measurable progress.
Absolute poverty stands at 5.1 per cent nationally, with urban rates declining to 3.7 per cent and rural poverty to 9.9 per cent. Hardcore poverty has fallen to 0.09 per cent nationwide.
The government continues to focus on bridging the urban-rural development gap through improved income opportunities, access to essential services, and targeted cash transfers.
“The data never lies. We remain committed to eradicating extreme poverty and ensuring equitable development across Malaysia,” Akmal added. - February 10, 2026
