Malaysia’s Budget 2026 clears policy stage with 120 MPs in favour, RON95 subsidy expansion for e-hailing drivers, and ART agreement clarification.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat has approved the Supply Bill 2026 at the policy stage following extensive debates that began on October 13.
The budget was passed through a bloc vote with 120 Members of Parliament in favour, 67 against and 35 absent.
Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim originally tabled the bill on October 10.
Fourteen ministries concluded their winding-up sessions this week including Communications, Digital, Foreign Affairs, and Education.
Committee-level approval was granted for operating expenditure allocations under the Prime Minister’s Department, Finance Ministry and Foreign Ministry.
Committee stage debate and winding-up for the bill will continue for 14 days from November 5 to 27.
The government raised the eligibility ceiling under the BUDI MADANI RON95 programme for qualified e-hailing drivers to 800 litres monthly.
Anwar said the decision followed appeals from e-hailing drivers based on their actual fuel usage during Tuesday’s Ministers’ Question Time.
Airport taxis will now be included among vehicles eligible for subsidised RON95 under the Subsidised Petrol Control Scheme.
Lawmakers raised concerns about the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade between Malaysia and the United States.
Anwar clarified that the agreement contains no provisions contradicting the Federal Constitution.
“The Attorney-General’s Chambers plays a key role in ensuring all provisions comply with Malaysian laws,” he said.
The Prime Minister assured that the agreement safeguards Bumiputera interests while ensuring enforcement never overrides domestic laws.
Lively exchanges occurred between government and opposition MPs during the week’s proceedings.
Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan expressed reluctance to respond to opposition questions after they voted against the budget.
He made the remarks while responding to Muhammad Islahuddin Abas regarding road upgrade plans for opposition constituencies.
“Just yesterday these opposition MPs did not even support the budget, but they still submitted a long list of demands,” Ahmad said.
The Employment Insurance System (Amendment) Bill 2025 was tabled for its first reading this week.
The amendment aims to strengthen social protection and expand employment services for more Malaysians.
The Third Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 15th Parliament continues until December 4. – Bernama
