2027 Budget Boosts Malaysia's Connectivity, Cyber Safety and AI Programs

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim tabled the 2027 Budget in Kuala Lumpur, directing RM5 billion to the National Digital Network Plan (Jendela) to achieve nationwide 4G coverage, including all Orang Asli villages, and to link 7,000 km of roads and 1,700 km of rail lines. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission will expand Wi-Fi at public universities, extend 4G to Felda settlements, and roll out the Madani Submarine Cable (SALAM).

To curb online fraud, MCMC has already blocked over 5.7 billion scam calls and SMS, and the National Scam Response Centre will develop an AI-driven verification app. Child-online protection will be bolstered through enhanced MICAC analytics and a Safer Internet Campaign in schools. AI initiatives include RM6 billion for R&D, a sovereign AI cloud, free access to tools like ChatGPT for 100,000 users, and nearly RM15 million for AI Malaysia Bhd to ensure ethical AI.

The Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation will receive RM30 million to help 4,000 SMEs adopt AI, while a separate scheme will certify 5,000 AI professionals. In health, RM1 billion will fund the Electronic Medical Record system and the MediAsas basic medical plan, targeting up to 200,000 workers.