KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 — Issues concerning urban poverty, the allocation of funds for Members of Parliament (MPs), and efforts to strengthen the nation’s healthcare sector were among the topics raised during the policy-level debate on the Supply (Budget) Bill 2027 in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (PN-Pagoh) proposed that the government establish a dedicated master plan to address poverty in urban and semi-urban areas over a five-year period, utilising an integrated approach that involves various ministries.
The former prime minister said the plan should focus on housing, healthcare, employment, education, skills training, and social assistance to ensure that low-income groups also benefit from the nation’s economic development.
“A specific plan must be formulated to ensure that the urban poor gain access to economic and educational opportunities, enabling them to improve their own lives and those of their families through the spillover effects of urban development,” he said.
He added that development planning in major cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru must incorporate poverty eradication efforts, particularly by providing economic and educational opportunities for low-income populations.
Meanwhile, Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) proposed the enactment of a Parliamentary Constituency Development Allocation Act to ensure that all Members of Parliament, regardless of their political affiliation, receive allocations on an equitable basis.
He said the drafting of the act could be carried out by the Parliamentary Service Council, following the enforcement of the Parliamentary Service Act 2025.
“This is for the benefit of all citizens. I hope that Parliament (the Parliamentary Service Council) can initiate the process of drafting the act,” he said.
Meanwhile, P. Prabakaran (PH-Batu) expressed support for the government’s move to offer permanent positions to over 9,000 contract doctors next year.
However, he emphasised that the government must ensure clearer career paths and sufficient training opportunities, while also addressing the welfare of all healthcare workers specifically regarding their workload and work-life balance.
“At the same time, the public continues to face challenges in obtaining treatment at government health clinics and hospitals, including long waiting times, overcrowding, and difficulties in accessing specialist care.
“Therefore, I suggest that the government assess the need to increase the number of doctors, nurses, and healthcare personnel, based on the local population size and patient load at each healthcare facility,” he said.
Prabakaran added that the government should also focus on hospital bed capacity, the maintenance of medical equipment, and the upgrading of existing facilities, in addition to strengthening primary healthcare services and early disease screening. — Bernama