KUALA LUMPUR – The tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) comes at a critical time as the country grapples with global economic headwinds and supply chain disruptions that have affected national competitiveness and public wellbeing.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said 13MP focuses on sustainable economic growth through a value-driven approach, digitalisation and advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI).
“I’m particularly encouraged by the plan’s second policy thrust, which highlights the drive for high growth, high value industries in strategic sectors.
“This approach not only ensures sustainable growth, but also one that is inclusive and equitable,” he told a press conference in Parliament today.
Zahid, who is also rural and regional development minister, welcomed the attention given to technical and vocational education and training (TVET), especially the move to introduce a minimum wage benchmark above current standards for TVET graduates.
“Introducing premium wages based on skills and competencies will shift the country’s labour paradigm from reliance on low-skilled workers to a high-skilled workforce.
“This will add value to the education ecosystem and improve the employability of graduates,” he said.
He also noted that 132 initiatives from the Putra 35 Bumiputera Economic Congress resolutions have been incorporated into the plan, reflecting the government’s commitment to strengthening the Bumiputera economic agenda.
“This is a significant achievement that shows Bumiputera economic aspirations have not been sidelined – they are being prioritised in the next five-year strategy.
“The agenda goes beyond entrepreneurship and equity ownership, aiming to strengthen Bumiputera participation in strategic value chains.
“Putra 35’s implementation under 13MP will benefit Bumiputera communities in rural, semi-urban and urban areas, including in Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.
Zahid also stressed the need for long-term disaster management planning, now under his ministry’s purview.
“This is crucial for providing more holistic disaster mitigation, moving beyond the ad hoc measures used in the past. I strongly welcome this strategic direction,” he said.
Earlier during the 13MP tabling in Parliament, Anwar said RM611 billion in total investments would be required to implement the plan.
Of this, RM430 billion will come from government development expenditure, while RM120 billion is expected from government-linked investment companies (GLICs) and government-linked companies (GLCs).
Another RM61 billion will come from the private sector through public-private partnerships (PPPs).
“Of the RM430 billion in government spending, over half – RM227 billion – will go to the economic sector as the primary driver of national growth.
“Social sectors are also prioritised, with RM133 billion allocated – RM67 billion for education and RM39 billion for health.
“Another RM51 billion will go to security, while RM17 billion is allocated for administrative sectors. This strategic distribution reflects the government’s commitment to delivering comprehensive, high-impact national development,” Anwar said. – July 31, 2025