By Nadiah Zamlus
SHAH ALAM, Nov 12 — The 2025 Selangor Budget, set to be tabled this Friday, is expected to include initiatives to reduce income disparities through empowerment programmes and a comprehensive strategy for elderly care and welfare, in light of the state’s anticipated ageing population by 2030.
As Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari put it, budgets go beyond financial planning; they are a reflection of the government’s dedication to the people’s welfare.
Selangor’s current strong economic position is expected to further bolster the state government in navigating 2025.
Meanwhile, initiatives introduced in the 2024 Selangor Budget are still being actively implemented, focusing on four core thrusts, namely driving quality investments and generating high income; promoting smart education and ensuring a sustainable environment; safeguarding the welfare of the people, and fostering unity within the ‘ummah’.
Following are some of the ongoing initiatives, with several already producing positive results;-
Food security
With RM40 million allocated, it is the largest initiative under the first thrust of the 2024 budget. The Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation (PKPS) and the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry partnered last February to strengthen food security and develop agricultural entrepreneurs.
The partnership focuses on the cultivation of cereal corn, dairy cattle breeding, high-value cash crops, the Gedung Makanan Ehsan Selangor, and transforming unused land into commercial agricultural spaces.
Selangor Mobility
RM8 million was allocated for this purpose, aiming to modernise public transportation and improve accessibility. As part of this initiative, the demand-responsive transit (DRT) service was introduced.
The initiative aims to help the state achieve the target of 60 percent public transport usage compared to 40 percent private vehicles. The first of its kind in the country, the DRT service improves user access to public transport.
As of June, approximately 54,000 people have used the service, which complements the Smart Selangor Bus by covering narrow routes.
Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS)
Organised over two separate series this year, the first event featured the Selangor Industrial Park Expo (SPARK) and the Selangor Asean Business Conference (SABC), generating a potential transaction value of RM12.2 billion.
The second series, which included the Selangor International Expo (Food and Beverage), the Selangor Life Sciences Convention (SLC), and the Selangor Smart City and Digital Economy Expo (SDEC), recorded transactions totalling RM1.66 billion.
The international event drew 8,500 visitors, with participation from Asean neighbouring countries, as well as Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom, among others.
Selangor Technical Development Centre (STDC)
In April, Selangor partnered with Orangeleaf Consulting and Mendix, a Siemens-owned company, to develop a high-quality, skilled workforce.
To address the demands of Industry 4.0, the Selangor Technical Development Centre (STDC) was established, with RM13.85 million allocated in last year’s state budget to bring this initiative to fruition.
Selangor People’s Tuition Programme (PTRS)
As part of the second thrust, RM10 million was allocated to improve PTRS, with the development of an online application. Additionally, the number of participants has grown from 65,000 to 130,000.
Amirudin said the administration is also exploring the possibility of providing free internet data to enable students to revise whenever they need.
A total of 17,000 primary school students struggling with reading, writing, and arithmetic (3M) skills will participate in the PTRS intervention process. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek had urged other states to emulate Selangor’s dedication to prioritising education through careful planning.
Public health
Under the Iltizam Selangor Sihat (ISS) initiative, the state government offers hospitalisation benefits to active primary members, with coverage of up to RM10,000 per year. It includes treatment at private hospitals for non-emergency cases, while government hospitals are covered for emergency situations.
The state also offers basic treatment of up to RM250 per year for individuals and RM500 for families.
ISS has been expanded to include death benefits for family members and critical illness protection of RM5,000 per claim. The third thrust saw the allocation of RM59.7 million for public health, the largest amount in this area.
Haj incentive
The state’s haj cash incentive has been increased from RM500 to RM1,000, while the number of recipients of the Muassasah Haj incentive has grown from 1,000 to 3,000 pilgrims, with an allocation of RM6 million.
In addition to cash, pilgrims received kits with essential items such as medicines, disinfectant, lotion, and lip balm. The state government also spent RM1.2 million to cover the travel costs for 36 pilgrims performing haj free of charge.
The state also plans to enhance the Muassasah Haj incentive by including death charity assistance and protection benefits of up to RM25,000 for pilgrims who pass away in the holy land.
Bantuan Kehidupan Sejahtera Selangor (Bingkas)
Bingkas eligibility requirements have been broadened, raising the income limit from RM3,000 to RM5,000 per month.
This is designed to enable more individuals to receive the RM300 per month aid, supported by a RM108 million allocation, positioning Bingkas as one of the largest financial assistance initiatives among all states.
Turath Islami Festival
Under the fourth thrust of the 2024 budget, Selangor allocated a total of RM2 million. Following its success, the state intends to launch the Turath Studies Academy and increase the frequency of turath festivals. This initiative is also proposed as a major event in the Visit Selangor 2025 Year’s calendar.
