Highlights Of The 13th Malaysia Plan

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- The following are the highlights of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) 2026-2030, themed ‘Melakar Semua Pembangunan” (Redesigning Development), which was tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Parliament today.

• US President Donald J. Trump has decided to review the tariff rates on Malaysia, with a decision expected by tomorrow at the latest.
• President Trump has confirmed his attendance at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur in October.
• 13MP will focus on three key policy areas, namely:

1. Good Governance: The MADANI government continues its efforts to strengthen integrity and accountability, enhance the efficiency of public service delivery, and improve fiscal management.
2. Streghthen overall economic resilience through value creation across all sectors.
3. Inclusive and responsive development, with priority given to raising the quality and standard of living of the people.

• Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is targeted at between 4.5 per cent and 5.5 per cent annually, driven by domestic demand, particularly private consumption and investment.
• Investments totalling RM611 billion are required to ensure the success of the 13MP.
• The education sector will receive RM67 billion, while RM40 billion is allocated to the health sector.
• A total of RM51 billion has been allocated to the security sector, while the administration sector will receive RM17 billion.
• Governance improvements will focus on three key areas namely, institutionalising an efficient and effective government, delivering people-centred services, and ensuring fiscal strength while maximising the impact of national spending on target groups.
• The MADANI government is committed to strengthening the governance ecosystem through legal and institutional reforms, including in Parliament, as well as enhancing monitoring mechanisms and instilling values of integrity.
• Comprehensive reforms will be implemented through the enforcement of the Government Service Efficiency Commitment Act 2025, with priority given to reducing regulatory burdens.

• MyDigital ID will be introduced as a secure and reliable single digital identity verification key to facilitate access to various online public services.
• Through GovTech, improvements will also be made to the country’s judicial system, including the Syariah Court.
• Civil servants will undergo intensive training in digital and artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen the country’s digital talent pool and leverage big data analytics.
• Ninety-five per cent of Federal Government services are targeted to be delivered fully online by 2030.
• A focused approach and continuous efforts will be undertaken to ensure that Malaysia achieves a top 20 position in the Online Service Index (the UN E-Government Development Index) and maintains its Category A status in the GovTech Maturity Index.
• The MADANI Rakyat programme will continue to serve as a platform for leaders to go to the ground, engage with the people, and listen to their concerns.
• Engagement sessions between the Prime Minister and all state governments, irrespective of political affiliation, will continue.
• The competitive ecosystem will be strengthened through a new legal framework aimed at curbing rent-seeking activities.
• Fiscal reforms will continue to ensure that assistance reaches the most deserving groups.

• Malaysia aspires to become a high-income nation and rank among the world’s top 30 economies by 2030.
• Malaysia has outlined a clear direction to lead Southeast Asia’s economy in the fields of AI, digital technology, and renewable energy.
• Greater focus will be given to the application of local technological innovations to drive economic growth.
• Research, development, commercialisation and innovation (RDCI) activities will be intensified to enhance 'Made by Malaysia' products and services.
• The National AI Action Plan 2030 drives the development of local talent, research and technology commercialisation to support the widespread adoption of AI.
• The government aims to achieve 98 per cent 5G coverage in populated, industrial and rural areas by 2030 and produce at least 5,000 digital entrepreneurs.
• A National Digital Trust and Data Security Strategy will be launched to safeguard personal data, address cyber threats, and ensure the security of the national digital ecosystem and sovereignty.
• Priority will be given to the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Policy, and the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint.
• The Business Digital Identity Recognition Initiative and digital twin technology have become key strategies to boost industry players’ competitiveness and innovation.

• The floating solar hybrid hydro initiative and green hydrogen hub in Kenyir will be expanded as an integrated green energy model, with the government also considering nuclear energy as a clean energy source.
• The construction of waste-to-energy plants will be expanded through collaboration with the private sector to reduce dependence on landfills.
• The Water Sector Transformation Plan 2040 will continue, with a focus on accelerating the development and innovation of efficient local water technologies.
• The country's maritime legal framework will be reviewed and strengthened to ensure it remains relevant and competitive.
• Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities will be eradicated, while the tagal system will be expanded as a sustainable fisheries practice.
• Focus will be given to the development of Special Tourism Investment Zones (STIZ), particularly in Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and Sarawak, as a catalyst for the creation of new tourism products.
• The homestay industry will be strengthened to expand economic spillovers to rural areas.
• Visit Malaysia Year 2026 will serve as a key catalyst in achieving the tourism sector’s target of contributing 16 per cent to GDP during the 13MP period.
• The government remains committed to driving the growth of the orange economy (creative industry), particularly through the high-potential digital creative sector, with the introduction of the Matching Fund and Joint Production Fund.
• Talent development will be strengthened through industry bridging programmes, expansion of the Train the Trainer initiative, and implementation of the Junior Animator Apprenticeship.

• The development of highly skilled human capital has become a key national agenda, with efforts to strengthen coordination between agencies continuing to be intensified.
• TVET programme offerings will be re-strategised, with an emphasis on high-growth, high-value (HGHV) sectors and advanced technology.
• Malaysia aims to create 700,000 new jobs in the manufacturing sector and an additional 500,000 in the digital economy.
• The Perkasa TVET MADANI Financing Scheme and the TVET Training Fund will be introduced, with TVET programme offerings to be expanded to tahfiz students.
• High-impact investments will be extended beyond key focus areas to include Chuping in Perlis, Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Kerian in Perak and Tok Bali in Kelantan.
• Large-scale infrastructure development remains a priority to strengthen regional connectivity and drive the systematic growth of surrounding areas.
• Public transport services will be strengthened with the addition of 300 Demand-Responsive Transit (DRT) vans, 1,200 buses, and 217 new passenger train sets to improve service frequency.
• Construction and upgrading works covering 2,800 km of rural roads will be carried out, including in Sarawak, Perak and Pahang.
• The Road-to-Rail initiative, aimed at shifting cargo transport from roads to rail, will help reduce the risk of road accidents

• The development of highly skilled human capital has become a key national agenda, with efforts to strengthen coordination between agencies continuing to be intensified.
• TVET programme offerings will be re-strategised, with an emphasis on high-growth, high-value (HGHV) sectors and advanced technology.
• Malaysia aims to create 700,000 new jobs in the manufacturing sector and an additional 500,000 in the digital economy.
• The Perkasa TVET MADANI Financing Scheme and the TVET Training Fund will be introduced, with TVET programme offerings to be expanded to tahfiz students.
• High-impact investments will be extended beyond key focus areas to include Chuping in Perlis, Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Kerian in Perak and Tok Bali in Kelantan.
• Large-scale infrastructure development remains a priority to strengthen regional connectivity and drive the systematic growth of surrounding areas.
• Public transport services will be strengthened with the addition of 300 Demand-Responsive Transit (DRT) vans, 1,200 buses, and 217 new passenger train sets to improve service frequency.
• Construction and upgrading works covering 2,800 km of rural roads will be carried out, including in Sarawak, Perak and Pahang.
• The Road-to-Rail initiative, aimed at shifting cargo transport from roads to rail, will help reduce the risk of road accidents

• The government will give special focus to positioning Sabah and Sarawak as the country’s sustainable energy hubs, competitive at the regional level.
• The development of the east coast states is driven by the creation of an integrated and competitive national food production hub.
• The government aims to establish 200 MADANI Adopted Villages and 1,000 MADANI Adopted Schools.
• The government continues to implement infrastructure projects to strengthen cross-border connectivity and boost the economy.
• The projects to upgrade the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complexes in Bukit Kayu Hitam and Rantau Panjang, as well as the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complexes in Sabah and Sarawak, will continue.
• Initiatives such as the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) will continue to ease financial burdens amid the rising cost of living.
• The Payung Rahmah initiative will be intensified through key programmes such as Jualan Rahmah, Menu Rahmah, Kafe Rahmah, and Bakul Rahmah.
• The government will enhance monitoring and control of food prices to ensure price transparency across the supply chain.
• Seventeen forms of assistance will be introduced for students from pre-school to secondary level to ensure continued access to healthy and nutritious food.
• The Rahmah Package covering internet services, insurance and takaful at more affordable rates will continue.
• Monthly travel passes and special passes for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities, along with the subsidised air ticket programme for students, will continue. 

• Programmes such as the Kembara Perpaduan Malaysia will continue to bring together communities of diverse backgrounds through value-based education and open cross-cultural dialogue.
• The Malaysia Harmony Charter will be developed as the primary reference for fostering inter-religious and inter-racial harmony in the country.
• Reforms to the National Service Training Programme will be implemented in line with current needs, with national identity strengthened through understanding and a spirit of togetherness.
• A total of RM67 billion has been allocated for the education sector, including the construction of new schools.
• School construction will be made a condition for planning permission in new large-scale housing projects, while vertical school development will be expanded to address overcrowding and limited land availability.
• The government is committed to ensuring that pre-school and secondary school enrolment rates reach 98 per cent, surpassing the universal enrolment benchmark.
• Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) remains the benchmark for evaluating the effectiveness of the education system’s policies, curriculum and pedagogical approaches.
• The quality of national education will be improved based on the outcomes of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) and Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS).

• The government is moving towards making preschool education compulsory from the age of five, with more facilities under the Ministry of Education to be provided, particularly in rural areas.
• A review of optimal school hours will be conducted, alongside an assessment of the effectiveness of special schools and improvements to the education model for gifted and talented students.
• A National Education Council will be established to coordinate, monitor, and formulate appropriate intervention measures.
• The government will implement a pilot project to grant autonomy to selected public universities in a move to strengthen higher education governance.
• The mechanism for openly recruiting teachers from various sources will be improved to ensure that opportunities are given to truly qualified candidates.
• Good relations with all countries will continue to be strengthened, alongside Malaysia’s active engagement with APEC, BRICS and South-South nations.
• Malaysia will host the 2027 SEA Games along with several other international tournaments over the next five years.

• Domestic food production will be enhanced, with large-scale agricultural development to be carried out in Kelantan, Pahang, Terengganu, Sabah and Sarawak.
• The five-season padi planting programme over a two-year period will be accelerated and expanded, with priority given to technology transfer, smart agriculture adaptation, and the development of satellite farms.
• Sources of food imports will be diversified, while regulations governing food entry into the country will be strengthened.
• A total of one million affordable housing units will be built between 2026 and 2035 by the federal and state governments, in collaboration with private developers.
• Initiatives such as the Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme and the Rent-to-Own (RTO) Scheme will be expanded to enable more individuals to own a home.
• The Kota MADANI initiative will be expanded as a model for affordable housing development that embodies the ‘umran hadhari’ urbanisation concept.
•  Pro-health taxes will be expanded beyond sugar to include products such as tobacco, vape and alcohol in an effort to encourage behavioural change and curb the rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
• The health sector will receive an allocation of RM40 billion, with more projects to upgrade government hospitals and clinics to be implemented.

• A National Health Sector Professional Development Framework will be developed to address human resource needs.
• The National Climate Change Bill will be gazetted to regulate the country’s climate action, while a National Adaptation Plan will be introduced.
• Disaster risk management plans will be included in the State Structure Plan and Local Plan.
• To reduce the risk and impact of floods, the government will implement 103 projects under the Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB) with an allocation of over RM20 billion.
• Preparedness to address sovereignty and security threats in the South China Sea will be intensified, while immigration processes will be streamlined through a more modern National Integrated Immigration System.
• The 13MP places emphasis on providing a more efficient and sustainable long-term care (LTC) service ecosystem.
• The National Ageing Blueprint 2025–2045 will be formulated as a comprehensive framework to address the challenges of an ageing population.
• Legislative instruments will be introduced to ensure uniformity in care-related policies and regulations in responding to the challenges of population ageing.
• Incentives and social protection benefits will be provided to caregivers and LTC service workers to promote the care sector as a high-potential career.
• The TVET curriculum will be expanded to include the field of ageing, with special incentives provided to students undergoing industrial training.

• Through the SejaTi MADANI Programme, eligible communities will receive up to RM100,000 in funding to help increase income and boost local economic activities.
• The MADANI TVET programme will be strengthened to build stronger mastery of income-generating skills, including among tahfiz students.
• The TVET certification level will be elevated to be on par with higher education qualifications under the Malaysian Qualifications Framework (MQF).
• Comprehensive wage adjustments will be expedited to ensure fairer and more equitable economic distribution for workers.
• The minimum wage rate will be extended to include graduates and semi-skilled workers, including those from TVET programmes.
• The role of the National Wage Consultative Council will be strengthened, while the e-MASCO portal will be enhanced to serve as a more transparent and responsive tool for monitoring wage rates.
• The Non-Occupational Accident Scheme will be expanded to provide comprehensive social protection, including coverage outside working hours.
• The number of foreign workers will be reduced from the current 15 per cent to 10 per cent by 2030, and the multi-tiered levy mechanism will be enforced.
• The Gate to Global (GTG) programme will continue to be intensified to enhance the competitiveness of Bumiputera entrepreneurs in the international market.
• The socio-economic development of Bumiputeras in Sabah and Sarawak will be strengthened, with greater access to business opportunities.

• The Orang Asli Act 1954 [Act 134] will be reviewed to enhance the protection of the community’s rights and status, while community-based schools will be expanded.
• The socio-economic status of Kampung Baru Cina will be strengthened through the implementation of the New Village Development Master Plan.
• Initiatives to strengthen governance for the Indian community will be implemented.
• Infrastructure and public facilities will be upgraded to enhance access to social networks and improve the quality of life for the Chinese and Indian communities, including women, youth and the elderly.
• Quality care centres will be expanded, and suitable training introduced to support efforts to raise women’s labour force participation to 60 per cent.
• The construction of Special Education Programme blocks in 34 existing schools will continue.
• Sufficient support and training will be provided through the Academy in Industry (ADI) programme, the National Action Plan for Persons with Disabilities, and employer incentives to increase the participation of senior citizens, Orang Asli, and persons with disabilities in the job market.
• The mandatory retirement age will be reviewed in line with the transition towards an ageing nation.
• The government will empower the third sector and expand alternative sources of financing.
• The implementation of the 13MP will be monitored through the PPD digital system, with reports submitted to the Cabinet.

-- BERNAMA