Budget 2025 reactions from ministers, state govts

The Budget 2025 presented by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Parliament yesterday underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring the well-being and welfare of all segments of society, particularly vulnerable groups.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Nancy Shukri said the provision to assist and support parents of autistic children is a positive development.

“This is a new initiative for us, and we are extremely grateful. It was only during last week’s cabinet meeting that I raised this issue.

“Alhamdulillah, we received RM23 million in overall allocation to help and support parents and children with autism,” she said during a press conference in the parliament building yesterday, according to Bernama.

Zahid: Reflects concern for rural communities

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the budget reflects the government’s inclusiveness and concern for rural communities.

Zahid, also the rural and regional development minister, said the ministry had been allocated an additional RM457 million, bringing the total allocation to RM11.9 billion, the largest it has received so far.

Fadillah: Focus on Sabah, Sarawak

At the same time, Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof said Budget 2025 also focuses on development allocations for Sabah and Sarawak, which received the highest funding among states with RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion, respectively.

“The infrastructure of Sabah and Sarawak has also been given attention to close the gap in physical development between Sabah, Sarawak, and Peninsular Malaysia,” he said.

Zambry: More funds for higher education

Higher Education Minister Zambry Abd Kadir remarked that the increased allocation to his ministry - rising to RM18 billion for 2025, compared with RM16.3 billion this year - demonstrates that the prime minister prioritises education.

“Among them, the prime minister touched on the enhancement of infrastructure, the replacement of outdated equipment and the expansion of internet access, which all amounted to RM635 million.

“This substantial amount underscores his commitment to ensuring that the country’s higher education institutions, whether universities or polytechnics are equipped (with the best facilities),” he said.

Dzulkefly: Boost for healthcare services

Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad expressed gratitude for the significant allocation received by his ministry in Budget 2025, amounting to RM45.27 billion, which will enable the advancement of the country’s health facilities.

“This positions us well to enhance our healthcare services, bridge regional disparities, and, most importantly, better support our staff,” he remarked.

Loke: Development of public transport

Transport Minister Anthony Loke also conveyed his appreciation to the prime minister, noting that Budget 2025 prioritises the development of the public transport sector, through various initiatives aimed at alleviating the cost of living for the populace.

This includes the continuation of the My50 monthly pass next year, with an additional allocation of RM216 million.

“This initiative will undoubtedly benefit many people. Furthermore, the announcement made by the prime minister is aimed at stage bus services outside the Klang Valley,” he added.

Saifuddin: Sustainable economic reforms

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the budget focuses on inclusive and sustainable economic reforms, with an emphasis on education and healthcare.

“This proves that the people’s interests remain the government’s priority. This is a significant step towards balanced and fair growth for Malaysia,” he said in a Facebook post yesterday.

Fadhlina: Historic high in education allocation

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek stated that the RM64.1 billion allocation to the ministry is the highest in history, reflecting the government’s commitment to ensuring that the ongoing education reforms achieve their goals.

Na’im: Islamic development

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said Budget 2025 also shows the government’s commitment to the development of Islam in the country.

“Overall, RM2 billion has been allocated for managing Islamic affairs, an increase of RM0.1 billion compared to 2024.

“I, along with the entire staff of the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), am determined to continue working with the spirit of islah and itqan (reform and perfection) to ensure that all Islamic agencies uphold good governance and integrity,” he said.

Zafrul: Prudent fiscal management

Budget 2025 will increase inclusivity, the equitable distribution of wealth and address social issues while ensuring the population’s welfare through prudent fiscal management and targeted subsidies, said Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

“I am optimistic that the measures of the Budget 2025 will be able to further boost the momentum of the country’s economic growth.”

Yeoh: LA28 not halted

The preparation of national athletes heading to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games (LA28) will not stop now that the government has provided funding for the Road To Gold (RTG) programme under Budget 2025, said Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.

She is confident that the fund, which is part of the more than RM230 million allocation for sports development, could open up opportunities for athletes under the RTG programme to make early preparations in their quest for the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal at LA28.

“The RM230 million sports development allocation is extremely useful for our sports programmes, including the Podium Programme and RTG.

“The RTG preparation is for two Olympic cycles, namely Paris 2024 and LA28, meaning they can now start making early preparations.”

Azalina: Improves access to justice

The allocation of more than RM60 million for upgrading judicial infrastructure, including the development of the e-Judiciary system, will enhance public access to justice, said Azalina Othman Said.

The minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) said this measure, which supports the digital agenda, is in line with efforts to empower the judiciary as an independent body.

Azalina also expressed her gratitude to the prime minister for addressing the needs of the legal sector and institutional reforms, including the initiative to draft the Online Safety Bill, which will be implemented soon to curb the increasingly alarming trend of cyberbullying.

Sim: New minimum wage benefit workers, employer

The minimum wage increase from RM1,500 to RM1,700 announced in Budget 2025 is part of the government’s efforts to ensure the welfare of workers, particularly those with low incomes, while prioritising the people and elevating their dignity, said Human Resources Minister Steven Sim.

He said this initiative also offered employers the opportunity to benefit from the subsequent rise in consumer purchasing power.

Sim added that for the first time, the Human Resources Ministry would publish guidelines on starting salaries for all sectors based on the Malaysia Standard Classification of Occupations.

“These guidelines will serve as a reference for both employees and employers in determining appropriate starting salaries for various jobs,” he said.

Johari: Helps obtain MSPO certification

The RM65 million allocation through Budget 2025 is expected to provide a boost for more smallholders to obtain the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) Certification, said Commodities and Plantations Minister Johari Abdul Ghani.

Of the allocation, RM50 million will be used for MSPO certification, while RM15 million will go towards countering the anti-palm oil campaign.

Additionally, Johari said the RM100 million allocation received by the ministry will be used to assist smallholders in continuing their replanting programmes.

Fahmi: Ensures public understanding

The Communications Ministry is committed to ensuring that all announcements regarding Budget 2025 reach every segment of society across the country.

Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the Information Department and Madani communities will be mobilised to achieve this objective.

Ramanan: Indian community not marginalised

Budget 2025 proves that the Indian community has not been marginalised, said Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister R Ramanan.

He said this was proven through the allocation of RM130 million for the implementation of various programmes, including business funding for the Indian community.

“We can see the prime minister’s commitment to treating all races equally… so, there’s no issue of any community being marginalised.

“The assistance and allocations provided are not specifically for any race but for all Malaysians. For example, specific allocations for the education sector through Tamil and Chinese national-type schools and national schools.”

Teo: Addresses rising cost of living

Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching highlighted that the budget addresses the rising cost of living by increasing the Rahmah Cash Assistance (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) to RM13 billion.

She said that Budget 2025 also shows the commitment of the government in ensuring a dignified income for workers, by raising the minimum wage from RM1,500 to RM1,700, effective Feb 1, 2025, besides aiming to create various high-income job opportunities.

Azam: Strengthens anti-graft efforts

The MACC is set to receive an increased allocation of RM360 million under Budget 2025, up from RM338 million this year, a move aimed at strengthening the agency’s fight against corruption.

MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said this increase reflects the prime minister’s political commitment to tackling corruption and enhancing integrity and accountability in the public sector.

IGP vows full utilisation

Bukit Aman will ensure that all initiatives announced by the prime minister for the security forces are effectively utilised, said Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain.

“The police are dedicated to delivering services grounded in integrity and good governance while actively supporting government policies aimed at enhancing the welfare of the people and fostering national prosperity.”

Chow: Boost for Penang

Penang is poised to reap significant benefits from a series of crucial development projects highlighted in Budget 2025, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

He described these projects as a vital boost for the state, catering directly to the needs of its residents.

Chow also hoped that the implementation of all projects announced by the prime minister would be expedited and adhere to the scheduled timeline.

Hajiji hails continued priority for Sabah

Budget 2025 reflects the government’s progressive measures to ensure a prosperous livelihood for the people without compromising the nation’s economic well-being, says Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor.

Welcoming the continued priority given to Sabah, Hajiji noted that the proposed allocation of RM6.7 billion for the state next year represented an increase of 0.45 percent compared to this year’s RM6.67 billion.

“This is sufficient to continue with the development projects during the final year of the 12th Malaysia Plan next year.”

Rauf: Construction of WCE benefits Malacca

The construction of the West Coast Expressway (WCE) from Banting to Gelang Patah which was announced during the Budget 2025, will benefit Malacca, Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh said.

He said this was because the highway would be an alternative route for motorists to get to Malacca besides the North-South Expressway.

Shukri: Two projects for Perlis

Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli said two projects announced in the Budget 2025 for the state would bring comfort to the people.

The projects are the construction of a road connecting Jalan Pesisir Pantai to Kuala Sanglang, the upgrade of Jalan Persiaran Wawasan, Kangar from two to four lanes and the construction of a new block at the Wang Kelian Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Security Complex.

“I also welcome allocations to upgrade towns at the border, especially those at the South Thailand border, and hope that they will be expedited,” he added.

Amirudin: STR, Sara to benefit people

Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari described the increased allocations for STR and Sara initiatives next year as a decision that will greatly benefit the people.

He said alongside the increased cost of living aid, the budget places significant emphasis on education and healthcare, two critical areas for the well-being of the rakyat, demonstrating the government’s commitment to these sectors.

Amirudin also expressed his gratitude for the announcement of several flood mitigation projects, including Phase 2 of the Sungai Damansara project, which is expected to resolve flooding issues in Section 13 in Shah Alam.

Onn: Strengthens Johor competitiveness

The Budget 2025 can further strengthen Johor’s economic competitiveness, Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi said.

“Initiatives involving the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and also attractive incentives offered through Forest City Special Financial Zone will further strengthen Johor's economic competitiveness.

“In addition, the continuation of development projects in Johor such as the widening of the North-South Expressway, Sultanah Aminah Hospital 2 and the flood mitigation project will directly benefit the people of this state.”

Wan Rosdy: Concern for Pahang’s needs

The Pahang government sees the projects allocated to the state in the Budget 2025 as crucial enhancements that will promote well-being and prosperity for its residents.

Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail stated that the allocations demonstrate the federal government’s concern for Pahang’s needs as a large state with significant potential in tourism, agriculture, and industry.

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