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Malaysia to raise minimum wages, expand tax relief in $112.5 billion 2027 spending boost
The increase will cover more than 4 million workers, while small firms with annual sales below RM50 million are exempted for now.
On Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim tabled Malaysia's RM459.8 billion 2027 budget in Parliament, stating it should be judged on "whether more people can live with dignity."
Growing fiscal pressure from rising global oil prices and recent coalition setbacks in regional elections prompted the expansionary spending plan, fueling expectations of early national polls.
State energy firm Petronas will pay the government a dividend of RM32 billion in 2027, up from a revised estimate of RM27 billion this year.
Welfare enhancements under Anwar's plan include raising the monthly minimum wage to RM2,000 effective June 2027 and expanding personal tax relief to RM12,000 for millions of Malaysians.
The government targets a narrower fiscal deficit of 3.3 per cent in 2027 while forecasting slower economic growth and higher inflation, maintaining its commitment to medium-term fiscal objectives.