KUCHING: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) outlines a clear strategy to make Malaysia a high income, inclusive and sustainable nation by 2030, focusing on innovation, private sector growth and fair development.
Dr Nivakan Sritharan, a lecturer at the Faculty of Business Design and Arts, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, called the plan a timely update of national priorities to address global changes, technology shifts and climate challenges.
“The 13th Malaysia Plan represents a comprehensive roadmap for Malaysia’s next phase of economic and social evolution.
“Its theme, Melakar Semua Pembangunan or Redesigning Development, signals the government’s commitment to rethinking the development model to meet current and future challenges,” he said in a press statement today.
With RM430 billion allocated, including RM227 billion for the economic sector, the plan targets 4.5 to 5.5 per cent annual GDP growth and aims for a Gross National Income per capita of RM77200 by 2030 to complete Malaysia’s transition into a high income nation.
Private investment is expected to grow by 6 per cent annually and public investment by 3.6 per cent, with the government allocating RM61 billion for public private partnerships to strengthen collaboration with industry players.
Nivakan said the plan focuses on technology, sustainability and resilience, with Malaysia aiming to lead in AI, digital innovation and renewable energy through key national frameworks such as the National AI Action Plan 2030, the National Energy Transition Roadmap and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030.
The plan sets specific targets including expanding exports of electrical and electronic products to RM1 trillion, increasing halal exports to RM80 billion, raising the halal industry’s contribution to 11 per cent of GDP, and exploring long term alternative energy sources such as nuclear energy and the rare earth sector.
The services and manufacturing sectors are projected to grow at 5.2 and 5.8 per cent respectively, while agriculture and mining are expected to expand more modestly at 1.5 and 2.8 per cent, which Nivakan said highlights the need for targeted rural development and productivity support for lagging sectors.
Reflecting on the 12th Malaysia Plan, Nivakan said it was introduced during post pandemic recovery and focused on three key pillars: resetting the economy, strengthening security and well being, and advancing sustainability.
“The previous plan introduced key game changers such as eradicating hardcore poverty, embracing circular economy principles, strengthening water management and improving digital governance,” he said.
The plan also sets goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45 per cent, expanding waste recycling and achieving nationwide 5G and broadband access, although challenges such as income inequality, regional disparities in Sabah and Sarawak, youth unemployment and underperformance in technical and vocational education still persist.
To close these gaps, Nivakan said the 13MP focuses on investing in key sectors like artificial intelligence, semiconductors and green energy to create future ready jobs and attract global investment, while also improving human capital through industry partnerships and a national AI talent development programme.
He also emphasised the importance of strengthening Malaysia’s international trade presence through more Free Trade Agreements, renewed talks with the European Union and deepening ties with key economic groupings such as Asean, BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) and CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership).
“While the targets and aspirations of the plan are commendable, the real challenge lies in execution.Previous plans encountered delivery issues and this must be addressed,” he said.
To ensure success, Nivakan called for strong governance, transparent implementation systems, performance based evaluation and inclusive engagement across all levels of society, while welcoming the plan’s focus on digital public service delivery and environmentally aligned budgeting.
“The 13th Malaysia Plan blends innovation with inclusivity.If implemented effectively, it can drive Malaysia into the ranks of high income nations and establish it as a regional leader in the green and digital economy,” he added.
