On 10 September 2025, DORMS Central Living was invited to participate in the Sesi Libat Urus (SLU) Belanjawan 2026, organised by the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) at M Resort & Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. The session was officiated by YB Steven Sim Chee Keong, Minister of Human Resources, together with YB Dato’ Sri Abdul Rahman bin Haji Mohamad, Deputy Minister of Human Resources, and senior officials from the ministry.
This engagement was part of the government’s inclusive approach under Malaysia MADANI to shape a people-centred national budget. It also marked the first budget under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13), making the dialogue especially significant for industry stakeholders like us.
Key Highlights from SLU Belanjawan 2026
The session addressed three main pillars:
- Menaikkan Siling (Raising the Ceiling): Advancing high-impact industries such as semiconductors, renewable energy, AI, digital transformation and the Islamic economy.
- Menaikkan Lantai (Raising the Floor): Strengthening education, healthcare, social protection and addressing cost-of-living pressures.
- Tadbir Urus Baik (Good Governance): Simplifying business processes and enhancing public service delivery.
YB Minister also underlined five global megatrends shaping Malaysia’s labour market: AI and automation, demographic changes, geopolitical uncertainties, the green economy and the rise of flexible and gig work. To meet these challenges, KESUMA will implement 10 ‘game changer’ initiatives, including comprehensive wage reforms towards a living wage, setting salaries for graduates and TVET entrants, introducing the Gig Workers Act and strengthening labour laws.
DORMS’ Role as an Industry Voice
As invited industry participants, DORMS submitted the feedback via the QR code provided, highlighting how workers’ accommodation standards, when developed seriously and aligned with Act 446, can serve as a national catalyst to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) while also ensuring better welfare for both local and foreign workers.
By positioning accommodation not only as a compliance matter but also as an essential infrastructure for sustainable industry growth, we believe Malaysia can strengthen its attractiveness to investors in high-value sectors. Well-planned and safe housing is fundamental to worker well-being, productivity and the overall competitiveness of our industries.
At the same time, we also listened to valuable dialogues from other industry players, particularly on the issue of minimum wages. These conversations are closely related to our own work in the accommodation sector. Wages and housing are deeply interconnected as fair pay ensures workers can live with dignity, while quality housing ensures their welfare and productivity are protected. Both are essential pillars in building an equitable labour market.
Collaboration and Learning from Peers
With more than 1,000 participants across ministries, statutory bodies, corporations, academia, NGOs and associations, the SLU served as a powerful platform for collaboration. We connected with fellow stakeholders who share our vision for safe, sustainable and compliant workers’ accommodation, while gaining broader perspectives on how housing ties into national wage policies, labour reforms and human capital development.
This exchange of ideas reaffirmed our commitment to work alongside policymakers, industry leaders and community stakeholders. We recognise that Malaysia’s success in balancing growth, inclusivity and sustainability depends on collective action, and DORMS is committed to playing our part.
Looking Ahead
Malaysia’s journey under RMK-13 is shaped by ambition and responsibility. The government’s direction under Malaysia MADANI focusing on inclusivity, welfare and good governance will set the tone on how industries should contribute to the nation’s future.
At DORMS, we remain dedicated to ensuring that workers’ accommodation is recognised not only as housing, but as a strategic enabler of industrial growth, FDI attraction and workers’ dignity. By aligning our projects with national priorities, we continue to support both government objectives and industry needs.
We believe that when workers are provided with safe, dignified and future-ready housing, industries flourish, communities thrive and Malaysia strengthens its competitive edge on the global stage.
Connect with us today to explore how DORMS can support your workers’ accommodation needs.
📍Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
📞Connect with our team to explore how DORMS can work with your industry.
#CLQ #PBWA #WorkersAccommodation #DORMSCentralLiving #MalaysiaIndustry