Dewan Rakyat to debate Budget 2027 as MPs raise healthcare disparities, export risks, border security, climate policy and FELDA cooperative payments
KUALA LUMPUR: Government measures to address the gap in access to doctors, specialists and diagnostic facilities between urban hospitals and rural healthcare facilities will be among the key focuses of today’s Dewan Rakyat session.
According to the Order of Business on the Parliament’s website, the issue will be raised by Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias (BN-Jelebu), who will ask the Health Minister to explain the government’s measures to address the disparity during the question-and-answer session.
Also in focus is a question from Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan (PN-Permatang Pauh) to the Investment, Trade and Industry Minister on the risks of the country’s export dependence on the electrical and electronics (E&E) sector, which accounts for nearly half of total exports, as well as diversification strategies should the global semiconductor cycle weaken.
Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Tampin) will ask the Rural and Regional Development Minister to explain the strategic justification for the establishment of the first MARA hospital, including the status of studies and planning, its location, bed capacity, areas of specialisation, estimated development cost, funding sources and expected commencement of operations.
In the same session, Rushdan Rusmi (PN-Padang Besar) will ask the Home Minister to detail the government’s integrated measures to combat people smuggling, drugs and prohibited goods through unofficial routes along the Perlis border, including action against the syndicate networks involved.
Also listed is a question from Jimmy Puah Wee Tse (PH-Tebrau) on the government’s long-term policies to address climate change and the implementation timeline for the postponed carbon tax to ensure Malaysia’s competitiveness in a low-carbon economy.
Kamal Ashaari (PN-Kuala Krau) will ask the Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister to explain the monitoring measures and interventions in place to ensure that Koperasi Permodalan FELDA Malaysia Berhad (KPF) settles outstanding share redemption payments owed to more than 9,000 members, including the setting of a payment timeline.
This week’s Dewan Rakyat sitting will also see the start of the policy-stage debate on the Supply Bill 2027, following the tabling of Budget 2027 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also Finance Minister, on Friday.
According to the Dewan Rakyat calendar for the Third Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament, the policy-stage debate on Budget 2027 will run from Oct 12 to 22, followed by a four-day winding-up session by relevant ministers beginning Oct 26.
The Dewan Rakyat sitting will run for 37 days until Dec 8.