RM611 Billion To Redesign Development Under 13MP - PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today unveiled the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), a five-year national development roadmap that will see a total investment of RM611 billion from 2026 to 2030, aimed at transforming Malaysia into a more inclusive, sustainable, and technologically driven nation.

The 13MP is built on four core thrusts, namely diversifying the economy, boosting social mobility, accelerating public service reform, and improving people’s wellbeing and environmental sustainability.

“Since taking over power in November 2022, the MADANI Government has boldly and decisively charted a new policy direction for the country.

“This was made clear through the establishment of the MADANI Economy framework, anchored on sustainability, the well-being of the people, and governance with integrity,” Anwar said in his nearly 90-minute speech on the 13MP, themed Melakar Semula Pembangunan (Redesigning Development), at Parliament.

The plan is underpinned by three fundamental pillars -  the formation of a sovereign and dignified nation, the development of a people-centric MADANI social system, and the transition into an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered economy.

Of the RM611 billion set aside under the 13MP, RM430 billion will come from the government’s development allocation, RM120 billion from government-linked companies and government-linked investment companies (GLCs and GLICs), and RM61 billion through public-private partnerships (PPPs).

More than half of the government allocation, or RM227 billion, will be directed toward the economic sector, while RM133 billion is earmarked for social sectors, including RM67 billion for education, RM40 billion for healthcare, RM51 billion for security, and RM17 billion for public administration.

“With the success of this plan, by 2030, we will not only have great material achievements and be able to produce high-value products, but we will also have people with big hearts, living unitedly, respecting each other's cultural diversity and having a strong identity. This is the dream of a Malaysia MADANI,” he said.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said that the 13MP must be a collective national agenda, calling on individuals, communities, the private sector, and government institutions to work in unison toward the shared vision of a just and united Malaysia.

The plan includes major public sector reforms, fiscal sustainability measures, and a strong push for digitalisation, particularly in AI, while the GovTech initiatives will introduce MyDigital ID, a secure digital identity system aimed at simplifying access to online public services, with a target of 95 per cent of federal services being fully online by 2030.

To support this digital transition, Anwar said infrastructure will be upgraded to facilitate AI-driven growth and attract strategic investments in data centres.

“To expand the adaptation of AI across various sectors, the government is targeting 5G network coverage to reach 98 per cent in populated and industrial areas, including rural zones, in line with the target of producing at least 5,000 digital entrepreneurs by 2030,” he said.

The five-year plan also projects the creation of 700,000 new jobs in the manufacturing sector and 500,000 in the digital economy.

On addressing the cost of living, Anwar announced the continuation of initiatives such as the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA), while the Payung Rahmah programme will also be strengthened with initiatives like Rahmah Sale, Rahmah Menu, Rahmah Cafe and Rahmah Food Basket.

In education, RM67 billion will be allocated in building new schools, upgrading dilapidated facilities, and expanding infrastructure at public higher education institutions.

Under the 13MP, the government will also introduce the Perkasa TVET MADANI financing scheme and TVET training fund, while expanding technical training opportunities to tahfiz students to produce MADANI technocrats.

Public transport systems will also see major upgrades, including 1,200 new buses, 300 demand-responsive transit (DRT) vans, and 217 new passenger train sets.

“Upgrading of existing routes and building new roads will continue. Among the key projects are the Pahang-Kelantan Central Spine Road; the Pan Borneo Highway in Sabah, the Trans Borneo Highway in Sarawak, as well as the construction and upgrading of 2,800 km of rural roads,” he said.

Anwar said Sabah and Sarawak will be positioned as national hubs for sustainable energy, with flagship projects such as the Sarawak Hydrogen Hub and the Sabah Energy Supply Guarantee strengthening energy infrastructure and regional competitiveness.

In the east coast states of Kelantan, Pahang, and Terengganu, development will focus on creating a competitive, integrated national food production hub. To reduce reliance on food imports, large-scale agriculture will be promoted in these states well as in Sabah and Sarawak.

“The mindset of our people must shift. Agriculture must no longer be seen as mere subsistence, but as a profitable economic opportunity,” Anwar said, adding that agrofood value-added output is expected to reach RM58 billion by 2030.

To ensure more Malaysians live in safe, comfortable homes, one million affordable housing units will be built between 2026 and 2035 by federal and state governments, as well as private developers.

Anwar said the healthcare sector will receive RM40 billion to enhance accessibility and reduce out-of-pocket expenses, which initiatives include upgrading hospitals and clinics, promoting the use of generic medicines, and expanding digital health records to support AI-powered analytics.

“Government also aims to reduce reliance on foreign workers from 15 per cent to 10 per cent by 2030 through stricter enforcement of the Multi-Tiered Levy Mechanism and encouraging automation and local hiring,” he said.

To uplift the Orang Asli community, Anwar announced that the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 (Act 134) will be reviewed to improve land ownership, education, and infrastructure access, with the goal of strengthening their socio-economic standing.

Anwar concluded his speech with a call for unity and commitment across all sectors to make the 13MP a reality.

“Insya-Allah, with a strong unwavering commitment and determination, Malaysia will rise to global prominence, powered by values, principles, and the strength of its people,” he said.

-- BERNAMA