13th Malaysia Plan: Areas we need to focus

New Straits Times

30-07-2025

Datuk Dr Anis Yusal Yusoff
THIS article seeks to delve into the pulse of the nation and understand what is truly troubling the average Malaysian today.
At a recent roundtable discussion in which I participated, one of the panelists highlighted four core concerns for him.
First was inflation, followed by the growing influx of immigrants into the country, third was the recurring and unresolved issue of floods, and lastly - what he considered the most pressing concern - was the issue of low wages that no longer match the rising cost of goods.
Another panelist offered a different set of issues, though still rooted in the broader public concern area.
The first was the ageing population - a topic I have done some research on - particularly in terms of how best to ensure quality care for our elderly.
Second was the lack of a robust social safety net, especially for those who are self-employed.
Third, he raised concern over road safety, particularly in view of the rising number of traffic fatalities.
Fourth was the rampant culture of excess and waste, particularly food waste, which is glaringly evident during Ramadan, when reports of post-iftar food wastage were widespread.
Lastly, he expressed concern about the state of our flood mitigation efforts and the country's overall preparedness in facing such disasters.
The discussion continued with other participants sharing their own grievances.
While many of the views came from academics, it is clear these are the very issues likely to emerge if we were to hold wider public engagement sessions across the country.
Among the frequently repeated concerns were:
1.1. Education - Particularly the issue of student dropouts and the growing disinterest in continuing formal education;
2.2. Economy - Encompassing inflation, cost of living, stagnant wages, and economic inequality;
3.3. Social protection – Especially the lack of safety nets for gig workers and the self-employed;
4.4. Road safety – Rising fatalities and accidents on Malaysian roads.
From the roundtable discussion and the grievances shared, it is evident that the core concerns of the rakyat centre around three main pillars: economic well-being, social security, and quality of life including education, flood resilience and public safety. These issues are not new. They recur with time and point to persistent gaps in policy implementation and effectiveness.
What has been done, and what more can be improved?
Firstly, the government has rolled out several initiatives to address the rising cost of living, including the Bantuan Tunai Rahmah (cash aid), targeted subsidies, and the setting of a national minimum wage.
However, these policies must be reinforced with more effective market monitoring to ensure that their benefits genuinely reach the masses.
Price controls on essential goods and access to decent-paying jobs must be strengthened through the revitalisation of local economies and accelerated growth in high-value sectors.
Secondly, concerns over the influx of immigrants are often linked to pressures on job opportunities and wage structures.
The government's National Labour Policy has introduced reforms to better manage foreign labour recruitment.
Yet, our continued reliance on cheap labour is holding back wage growth. Employers must be incentivised to invest in automation and upskilling the local workforce, reducing over-dependence on foreign workers.
Thirdly, in addressing floods and national preparedness, the government has launched the National Flood Mitigation Master Plan and committed significant resources under the 12th Malaysia Plan.
However, delays and inconsistencies in project implementation remain a concern. Effective coordination at state and district levels, data-driven monitoring, and community participation in mitigation initiatives must be prioritised.
Fourthly, Social Protection and Ageing Society: The absence of social security mechanisms for gig workers and the self-employed calls for a comprehensive reform of Malaysia's social protection system.
The upcoming Social Protection Roadmap must be fast-tracked, introducing flexible and inclusive contribution schemes tailored for the informal workforce.
Fifth, Education and the Youth's Future: The problem of student disengagement and high dropout rates reflects the need to rethink our approach to education.
The Malaysian Education Blueprint must be reviewed with greater emphasis on holistic development, future-ready skills, and alternative education pathways such as technical and vocational education and training (TVET), alongside more flexible learning models aligned with the evolving gig economy.
Ultimately, the government must adopt a more evidence-based and citizen-informed approach in evaluating the impact of current policies.
Engagements such as the roundtable should be institutionalised and systematised not only as forums for airing grievances but as crucial channels for feeding real-time public sentiment directly into policymaking.
Only then will the voices of the people move from weekly columns to meaningful, structural reform.
Let us hope that the 13th Mlaysia Plan will take into account all the issues raised in this column and that it will serve as a catalyyst to propel Malaysia forward on the global stage.