By Zaki MS
IPOH – Cost of living, employment opportunities and the well-being of the people are among the key priorities of the Perak state government in preparing the 2027 Budget.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Saarani Mohamad said budget preparations must take into account the state government’s financial capacity to avoid burdening future generations with debt.
He said that if borrowing is necessary, it should be used to finance projects capable of generating revenue and creating assets for the state government.
“If we have to borrow, then the debt must be debt that can generate income,” he said when summarising the Perak 2027 Budget Dialogue Session at the Banquet Hall, Perak Darul Ridzuan Building.
On the pressure of rising living costs, Saarani said the state government would continue to strengthen its Cheap Sales and Mobile Sales programmes to help people purchase essential goods at lower prices.
“When we organise Cheap Sales and Mobile Sales, we do not choose between the B40 or T20 groups.
“Any Perak resident who needs assistance can purchase goods at prices lower than the market,” he said.
The budget will also take into account employment opportunities for young people under the Perak Sejahtera 2030 Plan, particularly following the development of the industrial sector and new investments in the state.
He said the development of the Automotive High-Tech Valley (AHTV) and the automotive ecosystem in Tanjung Malim is expected to create more employment opportunities while increasing demand for local workers with the appropriate skills.
He added that the state government would continue to strengthen its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) agenda to produce a skilled workforce that meets industry requirements.
The Perak 2027 Budget Dialogue Session brought together members of the State Executive Council, state assemblymen, heads of departments, representatives of agencies, organisations and other stakeholders.
Meanwhile, a field study found that the cost of living, employment opportunities, as well as education and training were among the main priorities identified by the people.
The study also showed that the majority of respondents gave positive assessments of the state government, including in terms of the benefits of its initiatives, public well-being and the distribution of development.
In addition, road quality and internet connectivity were identified as areas requiring attention, particularly in view of the growing need for digitalisation in daily activities and business.
The study was conducted by the Darul Ridzuan Institute in collaboration with Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), involving more than 8,000 respondents from all districts and constituencies in Perak.
