KUANTAN – The Pahang government is set to table its 2026 Budget this December, described as realistic and people-centred in line with the state’s current financial capability.
Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the budget is highly anticipated by the people and must be taken seriously as it concerns the interests of over 1.67 million residents.
“This budget must not be done half-heartedly; we must be serious. Recently, we held a budget retreat that gathered department heads and community leaders for three or four days to discuss what should be returned to the people.
“The state’s revenue stands at RM1 billion and we have a surplus of RM600 million to channel back to the people,” he said.
He was speaking during the Town Hall Rakyat programme organised by Sinar Harian in collaboration with the Pahang State Strategic Communications Unit (UKS) at Dewan Datuk Seri Abdul Manan Ismail on Tuesday.
Wan Rosdy said that in addition to engagement sessions with government departments, the state government has also provided an avenue for the public to share feedback and suggestions through a special email via the portal e-survey.pahang.gov.my.
He highlighted all views submitted would be reviewed by the state government team before being brought to him for further discussion.
“We also go down to the ground to listen to the people’s requests because we know their expectations are high, as seen in today’s Town Hall session.
“We are open to hearing what kind of budget the people expect us to table and what they truly need,” said the Jelai assemblyman.
Wan Rosdy emphasised that while public expectations remain high, they are still subject to the state government’s financial capacity.
“I want to remind everyone that whatever the people request, it must still depend on the financial position of the state government.
“We do not want to promise the moon and the stars, what we do must be realistic and in line with our financial means and the budget we will receive,” he said.
He added that this year’s budget would cover various sectors, including the economy, social welfare, tourism, education, and youth, to ensure that every segment of society benefits.
Wan Rosdy stressed the state government continually strives to meet public needs, but the method of assistance is assessed to ensure it matches current financial realities.
For example, he emphasised, the government provides RM300 in aid to couples getting married for the first time and has also allocated RM1 million for circumcision programmes, as costs have risen significantly.
“Thirty years ago, when my son was circumcised, it cost around RM50, but now it can reach more than RM100.
“If a family has two or three sons, the cost could reach RM300. Thankfully, circumcision happens only once and marriage, hopefully, also once,” he said.
He added that if the state’s financial situation improves, the government would consider expanding such assistance, subject to approval.