State budget's seven key pillars unveiled - December 6, 2025

KUANTAN: Upholding Islam, championing public welfare, driving economic growth and ensuring environmental sustainability are among the seven key pillars of Pahang's 2026 Budget, unveiled at Wisma Sri Pahang yesterday. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said in line with Aspirasi Pahang 1st, the budget continues the state's grand vision, a well-planned and comprehensive action plan grounded in these seven pillars, which form the backbone of Pahang's development. He said from this perspective, the theme "Pahang 1st: Rakyat Didahulukan, Kemakmuran Dipertahankan" (Pahang 1st: People First, Prosperity Preserved) has been chosen as the core essence of this year's budget. UPHOLDING ISLAM, PRESERVING THE ROYAL INSTITUTION, AND ELEVATING CULTURAL HERITAGE The government has allocated RM235.95 million for 2026, an increase of RM39.89 million from 2025, to strengthen Islam as the foundation of life and state administration. He said the increase underscores the state's commitment not only to maintain but also strategically enhance Islam's role, countering claims that the state government is non-Islamic or secular. "We have allocated RM116.58 million for the operation of all religious schools in Pahang, with an additional RM17.4 million for building new schools and maintaining existing ones to ensure a conducive, high-quality learning environment. "The state-owned Universiti Islam Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah will be rebranded as Universiti Al-Quran, aiming to cultivate a generation that is both knowledgeable and deeply guided by divine revelation," he said. On tourism, RM34.65 million has been allocated for development programmes and operating grants for state tourism agencies, reflecting the government's commitment to making tourism a key economic driver. BOOSTING THE STATE'S ECONOMY To foster a competitive economy, Pahang aims to strengthen industries and investments, modernise traditional sectors, and develop infrastructure to create jobs and improve living standards. Wan Rosdy said the Program Usahawan Makmur, which promotes entrepreneurship, will receive RM5 million next year, while RM3 million under the Pahang Makmur Initiative will provide free licences to existing B40 hawkers across the state. The state's food security agenda will also be strengthened through modern technologies applied in livestock, agriculture and fisheries, with an allocation of RM68.63 million next year. IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION AND TVET Recognising education as the foundation of success, Pahang, through Yayasan Pahang, has allocated RM75 million to support schools, higher education institutions, tahfiz centres and community development. Of this, RM24 million will fund scholarships for 50,000 primary pupils and secondary students, expanding opportunities for Pahang's children to excel. For Technical and Vocational Education and Training , Pahang Skills has been allocated RM3.5 million for infrastructure, maintenance, and upgrades to ensure youths are equipped with relevant skills. The state government will provide a RM7.5 million matching grant to construct the third Maahad Tahfiz Negeri Pahang in Maran, with a total cost of RM15 million. BUILDING A RESILIENT SOCIETY AND NURTURING FUTURE LEADERS The Akademi Pahang 1st was established to promote public understanding of state policies, strengthen civic education, build character, and serve as a centre for intellectual development. He said RM4 million has been allocated for intellectual and strategic programmes, including the Pahang Intellectual Discourse and the Pahang Strategic Policy Research Initiative. For youths, RM700,000 has been allocated through the Pahang Social Action Council for initiatives such as 'Moh Santai Orang Muda', 'Fun Run & Ride' and the MTSP Menteri Besar Trophy Sports Carnival. Under the Pahang Sports Council, RM21.04 million is allocated for sports development, including athlete training, with an additional RM450,000 under the Makmur Pahang Athlete Initiative. To connect the Felda community with the state government, RM5 million has been set aside for programmes, including Jelajah Klinik Tok Wan and the Felda Education Development Programme. ENSURING DYNAMIC, HIGH-PERFORMANCE, AND INTEGRITY-DRIVEN GOVERNANCE A special cash aid equivalent to two months' salary for state civil servants will be credited twice next year. Wan Rosdy said to accelerate digital transformation, RM6.12 million has been allocated for ICT programmes for civil servants and laptops for needy students, including the Orang Asli community. A total of RM3 million has been allocated for Pahang Go to implement Prisma 5.0, expanding Internet access, particularly in rural and remote areas. ENSURING ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY Pahang, rich in natural resources, has 2.06 million hectares (57.07 per cent) of its total area of 3.59 million hectares covered by forests. RM102.83 million has been allocated to agencies. RM65.08 million has been earmarked specifically for ecological resource management. On mineral resources, a key contributor to state revenue, Pahang targets RM150 million in revenue next year through transparent mineral management. ENHANCING THE WELLBEING OF THE PEOPLE The Sentuhan Rakyat Makmur programme will continue in 2026 with RM2 million, allowing the public to voice issues, suggestions, and needs directly to the state government. On housing, since the launch of PR1MA housing units in Pahang (2020-November 2025), 1,110 units have been completed and handed over, valued at RM83.25 million. Source: NST