Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim acknowledged that the country’s strong economic performance has yet to translate into an improved sense of economic well-being for many Malaysians.

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is expected to tackle rising living costs in potentially his government’s last budget before he calls a general election.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, is likely to prioritise cash handouts to middle-income groups when he presents the 2027 spending plan to Parliament on Friday.

He’ll also likely provide more support for the semiconductor and renewable energy sectors, and aim to boost existing revenue streams instead of unveiling new taxes, economists said.

The 79-year-old prime minister, whose Pakatan Harapan coalition has suffered setbacks in a succession of state elections, is trying to court voters and is said to be considering calling nationwide polls in the second half of next year, ahead of the February 2028 deadline.