KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 18): Research grants will remain at RM470 million for 2016, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh said today amid concern over possible cuts following Putrajaya's plan to revise Budget 2016.

Idris said research work had been successfully integrated in some universities, thus the institutions involved would still be given grants to continue with their research activities.

"Although we are aware of the current economic scenario, I'm pleased to inform that research grant for 2016 remains at RM470 million," he said when delivering his ministry's New Year message in Putrajaya.

Idris said the research programmes would be focused on the country's priority sectors including the B40, Islamic banking, tropical diseases, youth empowerment and citizenship.

The Bottom 40 (B40) group refers to an estimated 11.7 million or 40% of citizens in Malaysia that live within a household income of below RM3,050 per month.

"Research that is industry-driven and demand-driven will be enhanced to ease problems faced by certain sectors and community," he added.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is expected to announce revisions to Budget 2016 on January 28, after taking into account Malaysia's falling revenue from lower oil prices and uncertainties in the global economy.

Najib said the national budget, tabled last October, should be more "realistic" and in line with the current economic situation.

Previously, the Higher Education Ministry received RM13.378 billion for 2016, a RM2.4 billion drop compared to 2015's budget.

"Budget for research will not be reduced because this is the foundation for universities, especially for the research universities," Idris said later during a press conference.

The five research universities are Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Universiti Sains Malaysia.