KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 12): Proposals to improve the fuel subsidy targeting mechanism, strengthening education and school safety, and public welfare were among issues raised on the first day of the policy-stage debate on the Supply Bill 2027 in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday.
The debate, involving 13 government and opposition Members of Parliament, also touched on national fiscal management, rural economic development, racial composition in the civil service, as well as efforts to strengthen healthcare and elderly care facilities.
Rushdan Rusmi (PN-Padang Besar) suggested that the government consider a dynamic oil price threshold mechanism by setting a specific Brent crude price level as a trigger to re-evaluate fuel subsidy rates, in addition to providing targeted extra cash assistance should oil prices rise significantly.
He also urged that savings from subsidy targeting be redirected back to the public through Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR), Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara), and other social assistance, alongside strengthening fiscal discipline and border economic development in Perlis, particularly trade with Thailand.
“Subsidy reforms must not be carried out in haste to the point of burdening low-income earners, farmers, fishermen, and small traders,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Johnie Zawawi (GPS-Igan) urged the Ministry of Education (MOE) to re-evaluate the status of rural schools in Sarawak fairly and transparently, taking into account the real challenges faced by teachers, including transportation, basic infrastructure, safety, and welfare.
He also proposed that the status of schools involved in proposed category changes be maintained for two years while a comprehensive review is conducted, in addition to upgrading the category of schools that still rely on river transport.
“Furthermore, MOE needs to address the shortage of classrooms, teachers, and student management assistants for the Integrated Special Education Programme, as well as accelerate electrical wiring safety audits for schools, prioritising premises with critical defects,” he said.
Datuk Matbali Musah (GRS-Sipitang) asked the government to upgrade the dilapidated hall of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Gadong and to provide additional classrooms at Sekolah Kebangsaan Long Pasia to accommodate students continuing their secondary education.
Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan (PN-Permatang Pauh) urged the MOE to expand the scope of school security guard contracts to include helping students cross the road outside the school gates, as well as providing insurance coverage to prevent personal risks and liabilities for the guards.
Meanwhile, Datuk Ewon Benedick (GRS-Penampang) suggested that Sabah's development allocations be disbursed in the first quarter and the procurement process completed by the second quarter at the latest to ensure development projects can begin within the current year.
He said the implementation of Budget 2027 must take into account Sabah's unique needs and challenges, including claims under the Malaysia Agreement 1963, prioritising basic infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and water supply.
Datuk Dr Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan) urged the Federal Government to resolve the water supply crisis which he said affects nearly 100,000 residents in the territory.
He also proposed a special allocation to purchase six water tanker trucks with a capacity of 20,000 litres each as an immediate measure to mitigate the impact of supply disruptions that could last up to 10 days.
Meanwhile, RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) proposed that the government increase the recruitment of Malaysian Chinese and Indians into the civil service to address racial composition imbalances.
The Dewan Rakyat sitting continues on Tuesday.
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