KUALA LUMPUR - Some RM5.9 billion has been allocated for research, development, commercial and innovation activities in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Finance Minister said a Sovereign AI Cloud will also be developed, with efforts undertaken by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
"We can no longer rely on the old ways, what more since the Cloud Act was introduced in the United States," he said when tabling the Supply Bill 2026 in the Dewan Rakyat on Friday (Oct 10).
To encourage the commercialisation of research and development findings, Anwar said lecturers in public universities that are founders of local publication companies will be permitted to take a one-year sabbatical for this.
"This was based on their own recommendations, and I agree with this," he said, adding that RM10million has been allocated for this.
He said micro, small and medium enterprises will also receive tax exemption for providing AI and cybersecurity-related training that is recognised by the MyMahir National AI Council for Industry (NAICI), led by Talentcorp and MyDigital.
Budget 2026 is themed "Driving the Madani Economy: Empowering the People".
According to the Dewan Rakyat calendar on the Parliament’s website, the Supply (Budget) Bill 2026 will be debated by MPs for eight days at the policy stage, followed by ministerial winding-up sessions from Oct 29 to Nov 4.
Debates at the committee stage will take place from Nov 5 to 27, after which it is expected to be passed by the Dewan Rakyat. - THESTAR