Malaysia’s parliament passes 2026 budget allocations for seven ministries, addresses bullying bill, emergency services and flood evacuations
KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat approved the 2026 Budget at committee level for seven additional ministries this week.
The approved ministries include Communications, Digital, Human Resources, Home Affairs, Defence, Higher Education, and Women, Family and Community Development.
Allocations for 26 ministries and the Prime Minister’s Department have now been passed.
Debate for the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry has been rescheduled to Monday.
Committee-level debates on the 2026 Budget were originally scheduled to run from November 5 to 27.
Key parliamentary discussions focused on eradicating hardcore poverty and impending artificial intelligence legislation.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said announced the Anti-Bullying Bill will be tabled for first reading on December 1.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching reported emergency calls have surged since NG MERS 999 launched on November 15.
“95% of calls are answered and processed within eight seconds,” she said, noting improvement over the previous system.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan confirmed more than 700 Malaysians were evacuated from Hat Yai to Bukit Kayu Hitam.
Approximately 500 Malaysians remain stranded as rescue efforts continue amid regional flooding.
Most MPs wore orange on Tuesday to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul had encouraged the show of solidarity during the parliamentary session.
Heated exchanges led to Datuk Awang Hashim and Mohd Sany Hamzan being ordered out of the chamber on Tuesday.
The National Film Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill 2025 received its first reading this week.
The current parliamentary session continues for 35 days until December 4.
The Senate will convene on December 1 to continue legislative proceedings. – Bernama
