THE government’s response to middle-income households squeezed by rising living costs and whether online gaming platforms should face age restrictions similar to social media are among the key issues scheduled to be raised in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Datuk Adnan Abu Hassan (BN-Kuala Pilah) will ask the Finance Minister how the government plans to assist M40 households that no longer qualify for targeted aid despite facing higher living costs.
He is also seeking clarification on whether eligibility can be reassessed based on households’ current income and expenditure, amid concerns that existing criteria may not reflect their financial circumstances.
Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen (PH-Bandar Kuching) will ask the Communications Minister whether the government intends to extend minimum-age restrictions on social media use to online gaming platforms, particularly those widely used by children and teenagers.
Government spending and programme accountability will also come under scrutiny, with Datuk Dr Richard Rapu @ Aman anak Begri (GPS-Betong) seeking a detailed breakdown of the RM50 million and RM200 million allocations for school programmes and Kampung Angkat MADANI, respectively.
He wants clarification on the financial impact of the programmes and the actual number of beneficiaries under the People’s Housing Programme (PPR).
Hassan Saad (PN-Baling) will ask the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister about the performance indicators used to measure the effectiveness of the Compliant Tourism Focus Zone (ZTPP) programme in reducing complaints about excessive prices.
Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah (PN-Indera Mahkota) will seek an update on the implementation of the National Women’s Policy 2025-2030.
After the question-and-answer session, the Dewan Rakyat is scheduled to resume debate on the Supply Bill 2027 at the policy stage, following its tabling by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Oct 9.
The policy-stage debate is scheduled to run from Oct 12 to 22, followed by four days of ministerial winding-up speeches beginning Oct 26. - October 19, 2026