13MP Boosts TVET, Bumiputera Economy - Ahmad Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the Dewan Rakyat today marks a major boost for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), the Bumiputera economic empowerment agenda and national disaster management, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said the emphasis on aligning the minimum wage beyond existing prerequisites and the implementation of a premium wage scheme would add value to the education ecosystem and job marketability in the country.

“In addition, I am very grateful that the Bumiputera economic empowerment agenda, as outlined in PuTERA35 (Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035), has been incorporated into the 13MP, with 132 initiatives from the Bumiputera Economic Congress resolutions also included.

“Hopefully, this will benefit all levels of society in rural, suburban and urban areas, as well as our friends in Sabah and Sarawak,” he said at a press conference in the Parliament lobby today.

Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs the National Disaster Management Committee, welcomed the government's long-term planning to strengthen disaster management and mitigation measures, particularly for natural disasters such as floods.

He said the tabling of the 13MP had come at a time when the nation was facing economic uncertainty and supply chain disruptions that were severely challenging competitiveness and public well-being.

He added that the roadmap for 2026-2030 also focused on economic empowerment through value creation driven by digitalisation and advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), as well as an integrated approach towards sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the implementation of the 13MP must be carefully structured, taking into account a holistic approach that included all layers of society, development sectors, environmental sustainability, and a strong emphasis on good governance.

He said this was vital to ensure Malaysia’s competitiveness continued to be strengthened and that the country remained prominent on the global stage.

“If we look at what was presented earlier, there are nine main focus areas under the three pillars of the MADANI Economy. The first is 'raising the ceiling,' which refers to transitioning towards an AI-based nation, high-growth, high-value industries, and strategic sectors that emphasise regional and rural development with global impact,” he said.

“The second pillar is strengthening governance and institutions by ensuring a public service that is transparent, swift and decisive. The third is 'raising the floor,' which focuses on addressing the cost of living, centring on MADANI individuals as the social foundation, and improving the quality of life for the people,” he said.

Fadillah, who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), said his ministry would focus on energy security, environmental sustainability and affordability of energy and water costs.

He said the government had announced a new, more transparent and fair energy market approach, including the introduction of new tariffs and the ‘time of use’ concept to promote more prudent energy consumption.

He added that the government would also conduct an in-depth study into the potential of nuclear technology as an energy source to complement existing sources such as solar, while continuing efforts to develop new sustainable energy sources.

Fadillah said focus would also be given to Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB) projects in Johor, Perak, Pahang, Sarawak and Sabah to reduce flood risk and ensure water security.

As for Sabah and Sarawak, he said the government would continue implementing the Pan Borneo and Trans Borneo highway projects to improve infrastructure connectivity and basic facilities in both states.

When tabling the 13MP, the Prime Minister said it was based on three key foundations: the formation of a sovereign and dignified nation, a social system based on MADANI values, and a transition to an AI-driven nation.

-- BERNAMA