Survey Budget 2026 Seen As Positive But Gaps Still Need To Be Addressed

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A RECENT survey found that while 63% of Malaysians viewed Budget 2026 positively, many still feel that critical needs remain unaddressed, particularly around the cost of living, healthcare, and governance transparency.
The nationwide survey, conducted by Milieu Insight among 1,000 Malaysians shortly after the Budget 2026 announcement, further revealed that inflation remains the nation’s top challenge (44%), underscoring ongoing concerns about rising prices and household pressures.
While Malaysians welcome people-centric measures in the new budget, many are calling for greater transparency with 38% expressing a desire for real-time spending dashboards to track how funds are delivered and the impact achieved.
Tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Oct 10, Budget 2026 marks Malaysia’s fourth MADANI budget and the first under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).

With a total allocation of RM419.2 bil, the budget aims to revitalise the economy, strengthen social protection, and accelerate structural reforms—a direction that resonates with the public’s call for people-centred growth, though gaps in perceived impact persist.
The survey also found that public sentiment is hopeful yet guarded. Citizens recognise the government’s people-focused initiatives but remain cautious about delivery and follow-through.
Nearly three-quarters (73%) of Malaysians rated their understanding of Budget 2026 as “moderate” to “fairly well” reflecting decent awareness of its key reforms.
However, 13% admitted to having little understanding, underscoring the need for simpler, more relatable communication that connects policy goals to everyday realities.
While social media remains the leading channel for budget updates (47%), particularly among younger Malaysians, traditional outlets such as television and radio (27%) still play an influential role among older audiences, highlighting the importance of multi-channel communication strategies to ensure broad understanding and engagement.
Pressure points persist
(Image: Bernama)Budget 2026 introduces several household-focused measures, including expanded childcare and medical tax reliefs, preventive healthcare incentives, and enhanced social protection schemes such as i-Saraan Plus for gig and informal workers.
These reflect a continued commitment to inclusive development and stronger household resilience.
Yet, Milieu’s findings indicate that Malaysians want a stronger emphasis on three pressing priorities: improving access to healthcare and reducing medical costs (35%), lowering prices of food and daily essentials (32%), and making housing more affordable (26%).
Healthcare concerns persist across all age groups, showing that affordability and access to quality care remain priorities despite new reliefs and ongoing public health investments under the Health Ministry’s 2026 allocation.
On its tangible impact, only 18% of respondents believe Budget 2026 will significantly ease the cost of living, while 51% say it provides only slight relief. Middle-aged Malaysians express the greatest frustration, whereas younger adults remain uncertain about its short-term effects.
When asked who benefits most, a majority (57%) identified low-income B40 households, affirming recognition of progressive, targeted assistance.
However, just 24% felt the middle-income M40 group receives sufficient support, reinforcing perceptions of a “squeezed middle”.
Meanwhile, 27% believe SMEs stand to gain, reflecting public recognition of their critical contribution to Malaysia’s GDP and employment.

Despite mixed views, 58% of Malaysians say they are ready to act on new opportunities such as grants, subsidies, or upskilling programmes.
Youth (aged 16–24) and older Malaysians (55 and above) lead this optimism, suggesting that opportunity uptake depends heavily on clarity, accessibility, and consistent communication.
Challenges and expectations
(Image: Malay Mail)Malaysians continue to identify the rising cost of living and inflation (44%), poor governance (37%), and stagnant wages (30%) as the nation’s most pressing challenges.
Concerns over governance reflect a broader demand for transparency and accountability, sentiments that echo findings from the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index, where Malaysia scored 50 out of 100 and ranked 57th out of 180 countries, a position unchanged from 2023.
Respondents are not only calling for greater disclosure but stronger enforcement. 38% want open data tracking of spending, 37% seek regular public reporting on budget disbursements, and 30% call for stricter penalties for fund misuse.
These views reflect a growing public belief that transparency must translate into trust and measurable outcomes.
Looking ahead
When asked about priorities for future budgets, Malaysians called for long-term reform over temporary relief, emphasising three key areas: anti-corruption efforts (33%), subsidy restructuring (30%) , and job creation programmes (30%), particularly among the younger generation.
These findings suggest that while Budget 2026 is generally welcomed, public confidence ultimately depends on implementation, communication, and demonstrable results. ‒  Focus Malaysia

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