Muhyiddin urges urban poverty strategy as Budget 2027 debate continues

KUALA LUMPUR — Opposition leader Muhyiddin Yassin has raised concerns about urban poverty in Malaysia, calling on the government to develop a structured master plan to address the issue during ongoing Budget 2027 debates in Parliament. His intervention highlighted gaps in current policies affecting low-income urban communities as lawmakers scrutinised the government's fiscal proposals for the coming year. Muhyiddin emphasised that urban poverty required targeted interventions distinct from rural development strategies, noting the growing number of Malaysians struggling with living costs in cities and towns nationwide. The opposition politician argued that without a coordinated approach, vulnerable urban populations would continue facing mounting challenges related to housing, employment, and access to essential services. In a separate proposal, Muhyiddin also advocated for the introduction of legislation governing the allocation of development funds to Members of Parliament. He suggested that establishing clear legal frameworks for MP allocations would enhance transparency and accountability in how parliamentary representatives utilise resources for constituency development. The proposals add to broader policy discussions as lawmakers debate spending priorities and economic initiatives outlined in the federal budget framework for 2027.