Anwar Ibrahim government spending and social initiatives

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has outlined several government spending initiatives focused on social welfare and institutional support. He defended social spending as essential for the nation, arguing that corruption and poor governance pose greater economic threats than welfare programs. He noted allocations of RM16 billion for the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah and Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah assistance programs, alongside RM18 billion for civil servant salary increases.

To support small-scale commerce, the Prime Minister announced RM1 million for the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) to strengthen hawker and small trader associations. KUSKOP Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong reported that RM10.7 billion in financing was channeled to nearly 300,000 entrepreneurs between January and September, including RM3.14 billion in microcredit for approximately 200,000 hawkers and retailers. Sim directed agencies to respond to financing applications under RM20,000 within 24 hours to prevent traders from using unlicensed moneylenders.

Regarding religious education, the Prime Minister pledged RM200 million to support pondok institutions, aiming to preserve Islamic scholarly traditions. Through a partnership with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, the government intends to integrate technology and artificial intelligence into curricula, though individual institutions retain authority over their specific teaching content.

In recent remarks at the National Hawkers and Small Traders Day Carnival in Selangor, Anwar Ibrahim warned that officials and agencies found misusing government funds will face arrest and prosecution. He emphasized that entrepreneurship financing agencies, such as TEKUN Nasional, Bank Rakyat, and Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia, must ensure funds reach deserving recipients without leakage. Additionally, Anwar announced regional initiatives in Kelantan, including RM2.5 million for dialysis facilities in selected mosques and RM6.62 million for the infrastructure of Islamic educational institutions.