Parliament’s lower house debates healthcare inequality, Budget 2027 plans

DEWAN RAKYAT, KUALA LUMPUR, 12 OCTOBER 2026 —

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 – In the morning session of the Dewan Rakyat, the government’s plans to close the gap between urban and rural health services were set for scrutiny, while the first policy‑stage debate on Budget 2027 began after the finance minister’s tabled the budget on Friday.

The session opened with a question from Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias (BN‑Jelebu) to the Health Minister, who was asked to explain the measures the government intends to implement to reduce the disparity in access to doctors, specialists and diagnostic facilities between city hospitals and rural health centres. Jalaluddin’s question followed the Order of Business on Parliament’s website, which listed the health issue as a key highlight of the day.

In the same session, Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan (PN‑Permatang Pauh) directed a question to the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry. He asked about the risks of Malaysia’s export dependence on the electrical and electronics (E&E) sector, which accounts for nearly half of total exports, and requested details on diversification strategies should the global semiconductor cycle weaken.

The Rural and Regional Development Minister was questioned by Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN‑Tampin) about the strategic justification for the first MARA hospital. Isa asked for the status of studies and planning, the hospital’s location, bed capacity, areas of specialisation, estimated development cost, funding sources and the expected commencement of operations.

Rushdan Rusmi (PN‑Padang Besar) asked the Home Minister to detail the government’s integrated measures to combat people smuggling and the transport of drugs and prohibited goods through unofficial routes along the Perlis border. He also requested action against the syndicate networks involved.

Jimmy Puah Wee Tse (PH‑Tebrau) raised a question on the government’s long‑term policies to address climate change and the implementation timeline for the postponed carbon tax, asking how the policy would ensure Malaysia’s competitiveness in a low‑carbon economy.

Kamal Ashaari (PN‑Kuala Krau) asked the Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development 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.

The Dewan Rakyat also marked the start of the policy‑stage debate on the Supply Bill 2027. The debate follows the tabling of Budget 2027 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also Finance Minister, on Friday, 9 October.

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 12 October to 22 October, followed by a four‑day winding‑up session by relevant ministers beginning 26 October.

The morning session will run from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm, with the debate on the Supply Bill 2027 scheduled to begin at 1:00 pm. The session will conclude at 5:30 pm. The Dewan Rakyat sitting will run from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, with a lunch break from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm. The session will be televised live on TV1, TV2 and TV3.

The session will also be streamed live on the Parliament website and the Parliament Facebook page.