2027 Budget balances cost-of-living relief with future growth

The deputy minister welcomes the higher RM18.7 billion federal allocation for Sabah and urges students to use PTPTN loans to pursue higher education while exploring scholarship opportunities. NSTP/MOHD ADAM ARININ

KOTA KINABALU: The 2027 Budget strikes a balance between helping Malaysians cope with the rising cost of living and planning for the country's future economic growth, says Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Yusof Apdal.

"Personally, I think yesterday's budget was a very balanced one, as Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim took into consideration how we can help the people overcome the increasingly challenging cost of living due to the global situation.

"At the same time, it balances these efforts with plans for the country's future economic development," he told the media on the sidelines of a Kupi-Kupi Bah session at a hotel here.

The Lahad Datu member of parliament said the budget also supported efforts to develop Malaysia into a high-technology nation while ensuring its benefits reached the people.

On Sabah's allocation, Yusof said there was an increase from the previous year and expressed hope that the additional funding would benefit the people, particularly those facing various challenges.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim tabled a federal allocation of RM18.7 billion for Sabah, up from RM17.6 billion in 2026.

"We hope this increase can be put to good use, especially for the people who are dealing with various problems. Insya-Allah, additional allocations like this can help them," he said.

Earlier, in his speech, Yusof, a former deputy higher education minister, urged the media to explain the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loan facilities announced in 2027 Budget to encourage Sabah students to pursue university education.

"Don't think about scholarships first. Take the PTPTN loan and enter university.

"Once you have registered, use the loan first. Along the way, if you get a scholarship, apply for it and convert the loan," he said.

He added that some students in Sabah might misunderstand the available options and give up on furthering their studies while waiting for scholarships.

Yusof said Budget 2027 also provided greater flexibility for PTPTN borrowers, with repayments to begin when their salaries reached RM2,500 and minimum monthly payments set at RM50.