By TNS News Team
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 – As Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim prepares to unveil Budget 2025 at the Dewan Rakyat this afternoon, anticipation is building among Malaysians from all walks of life.
With a focus on growth-driven, people-centric policies, and confidence-building measures, the budget is expected to offer a roadmap for economic resilience amid global uncertainties.
But beyond the macroeconomic outlook, ordinary Malaysians are looking for tangible improvements that address their everyday struggles. Here’s what the people hope to see.
High Expectations Amid Cost-of-Living Pressures
The rising cost of living remains the most pressing concern for many. With food prices soaring and housing costs still a burden for many families, there is a sense that Budget 2025 must deliver relief.
The government’s emphasis on a people-centric approach has raised expectations for concrete measures to ease the financial burden on the average Malaysian.
“I really hope the budget will bring some relief for us, especially in terms of food prices and utility bills,” said Hafiiz Ahmad, a 44-year-old lorry driver from Sungai Ramal Dalam, Kajang, Selangor.
Hafiizh Ahmad
“It feels like everything is getting more expensive, and our wages are not keeping up. Any form of cash assistance or subsidies would be a big help.”
The B40’s Call for More Direct Aid
For those in the B40 (Bottom 40%) income group, direct financial assistance and subsidies are seen as crucial. During previous budgets, programs such as Bantuan Prihatin Rakyat (BPR) have provided much-needed support for lower-income households, but many feel there is a need for more targeted aid to cope with inflation.
“I hope they increase the cash aid for low-income families. Even with the previous assistance, it’s still hard to make ends meet,” expressed Anita Abdullah, a 44-year-old single mother living in Johor Bahru.
“Education and healthcare expenses are my biggest worries, so if there’s any way the government can help reduce these costs, it would make a huge difference.”
Middle-Class Hopes for Affordable Housing and Wage Growth
Meanwhile, those in the M40 (Middle 40%) segment are looking for policies that will make a tangible difference to their financial security. Many hope for initiatives that will address the lack of affordable housing and the stagnation of wage growth over recent years. If Budget 2025 is truly people-centric, it should include strategies to alleviate the housing crisis, promote wage increases, and offer tax relief.
“Housing prices are out of reach for many middle-class families like mine,” noted Nur Aqilah Jaffar Sedik, a 31-year-old Business Development Executive from Kuala Lumpur.
Nur Aqilah Jaffar Sedik
She said the government needs to make homeownership more accessible, perhaps through better financing schemes or incentives for developers to build affordable homes.
Also, if there’s room to increase the minimum wage or provide tax relief, that would help us cope with the rising cost of living, ” Nur Aqilah added.
What Analysts Expect: Focus on Key Sectors
Economists predict that Budget 2025 will aim to bolster key industries such as technology, oil and gas, manufacturing, and real estate, while maintaining policy consistency to attract both domestic and foreign investments.
With Shan Saeed of Juwai IQI projecting a GDP growth of 5% to 6% next year, the budget will likely support sectors such as Integrated Circuit Technology (ICT), electrical and electronics (E&E), and palm oil to drive economic development.
However, while macroeconomic strategies are crucial for long-term growth, ordinary Malaysians are more concerned with immediate measures that can improve their quality of life.
The Balancing Act: Meeting Short-Term Needs and Long-Term Goals
Prime Minister Anwar faces a balancing act with Budget 2025: providing immediate relief to alleviate cost-of-living pressures while ensuring sustainable economic growth. This involves crafting policies that cater not only to the aspirations of businesses and investors but also to the everyday needs of Malaysians. As Budget 2025 is tabled today, the hope is that the government’s promises for a people-centric and growth-driven approach translate into real benefits for those who need them the most.
The layman’s expectations are clear: more direct aid for the vulnerable, efforts to curb inflation, and policies to enhance access to affordable housing and job opportunities.
If these hopes are realized, Budget 2025 could mark a significant step towards improving living standards and rebuilding economic confidence in Malaysia.
- TNS News