The Dewan Rakyat has approved an additional RM20.19 billion for 2025 spending, with the bulk of this funding channeled to key ministries and fuel subsidies that continue to increase beyond the original budget.
Among the main recipients of this allocation are the Treasury General Services (RM12.62 billion), followed by the Statutory Fund (RM3.15 billion), the Ministry of Education (RM1.76 billion), the Public Service Department (RM1.14 billion), and the Ministry of Domestic Trade & Cost of Living (RM1.07 billion).
The Ministry of Higher Education also received RM417.99 million, while the Election Commission was allocated RM8.19 million.
Finance Minister II, Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, revealed that the government has spent more than RM70 billion on subsidies and assistance throughout 2024, far exceeding the original budget of RM58 billion.
Oil subsidies alone are ‘leaking’ to the point where an additional RM12.1 billion is needed due to delays in implementing targeted subsidies.
With spending on the rise, the big question now arises – should the people be prepared for oil price hikes or new taxes in the near future?
