Budget 2026

The first budget under the 13th Malaysia Plan, themed ‘The Fourth Madani Budget: The People’s Budget’, was tabled in Parliament on 10 October 2025. Here’s our analysis of how it will impact you and your business.

Budget 2026

The economy at a glance​

This year’s budget focuses on advancing long-term reforms and tackling near-term challenges to sustain growth and resilience, in line with the 4.5%–5.5% annual growth target, as set out in 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), from 2026 to 2030.​ 

Fiscal position

2.7%

Increase in revenue in 2026


1.7%

Increase in overall expenditure in 2026


-3.5%

Budget deficit,
% of GDP in 2026


64.7%

Federal Government debt,
% of GDP as at end of June 2025​


The government is targeting a fiscal deficit of below 3% of GDP by 2030 under the 13th Malaysia Plan

Taxes

Strengthening tax enforcement

Strong focus on governance and anti-leakage measures

Managing medical cost

Targeted tax reliefs and exemptions to ease medical costs and promote insurance, takaful, and healthcare access

Pro-health measures

Increase in excise duties on cigarette products and alcoholic beverages

Rakyat

Personal tax reliefs

Expanded reliefs for life insurance/takaful (including children), vaccinations, and childcare/kindergarten fee

Socioeconomic assistance

The Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) aid allocation will be increased to RM15 bn including RM100 SARA assistance for 22 mn Malaysians

Social protection

Gig workers will receive matching EPF contributions of up to RM600 per year and SOCSO contribution subsidies​

Accelerating growth in high-growth, high-value (HGHV) and strategic sectors

HGHV industries

Multi-billion energy transition push

GLICs and GLCs to invest RM16.5 bn to accelerate the energy transition

Driving AI innovation at MCMC

MCMC is investing RM2 bn to build a Sovereign AI Cloud and a new AI Transformation Centre

RM1 bn for semiconductor ecosystem

Khazanah, KWAP, and Bank Pembangunan to invest and provide loans for semiconductors, R&D, and high-value E&E activities

Strategic sectors

RM2.7 bn northern border growth hub

Bukit Kayu Hitam is rising as a key ASEAN gateway, linking regional supply chains and digital ecosystems

Empowering local entrepreneurs

Government loans and guarantees for entrepreneurs to increase by 20% to RM50 bn

RM600 mn in rubber research

The Malaysian Rubber Board will set up a research excellence centre to chart the industry's future

Tax incentives

Outcome-Based Incentives in 2026

New framework linking tax breaks to high-value jobs and balanced regional growth in key sectors

Enhanced venture capital (VC) incentives

Special tax rates and dividend exemptions for VC funds to attract capital for start-ups

Advancing digital skills in MSMEs

Additional 50% tax deduction on AI and cybersecurity training under MyMahir-NAICI initiative

Sustainability agenda

Adoption of carbon tax

Carbon tax will come into effect next year to drive low-emission technology adoption for the iron, steel, and energy sectors

Tax relief for green appliances

RM2,500 income tax relief now cover food waste grinders to promote greener behaviours

Property

Extended stamp duty exemption

Stamp duty exemption for first-time homebuyers (homes up to RM500k) extended to 31 Dec 2027

Higher stamp duty for foreign buyers

Rate on residential property transfers for non-citizens and foreign firms rises from 4% to 8%

Tax relief for property conversion

10% tax deduction (up to RM10 mn) available for the cost of converting commercial properties into residential properties


PwC Centre Stage: Budget 2026 overview

(PDF of 6.37MB)

Our views in the media

Budget 2026 blogs

Budget 2026 Seminar: Kuala Lumpur session

Join us this 30 October to understand how the government’s reform agenda could impact you and your organisation—and gain direct insights from PwC specialists and guest panellists from the Ministry of Finance and Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia.

Tiny mic, big takes

Our tax professionals share their expectations on key issues that concern all Malaysians—no filler, all under 90 seconds.

Malaysian Tax Booklet

A quick reference guide to help you access essential tax information quickly and reclaim your time for strategic planning. Information is based on tax laws, current practices, and measures proposed by the authorities.

Tax in Motion

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Contact us

Steve Chia

Steve Chia

Tax Leader, PwC Malaysia

Tel: +60 (3) 2173 1572

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