KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 31 — 2026 is not just about new year’s resolutions, but various changes for Malaysians, from the cost of living, digital security, to law enforcement that would directly impact millions of people.
It also marks the beginning of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), a five-year roadmap to determine the direction of the economy, society, and people’s well-being.
Here are some important highlights set for 2026.
School session returns to January schedule
After having to start in March for almost three years following the Covid-19 pandemic, the academic calendar for national and government-aided schools will go back to normal next month.
For Group A states (Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu) the academic calendar is from January 11 to December 31, while that of Group B states (Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Penang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya) is from January 12 to December 31.
These changes will certainly have a direct impact on family routines, students’ academic preparations, and the coordination of school and community activities.
Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026)
The tourism sector is expected to receive a major boost through VM2026, themed “Malaysia Truly Asia” and “Surreal Experiences”, which opens opportunities for tourists to explore the country’s culture, heritage and natural beauty.
Budget 2026 allocates more than RM700 million to boost tourism promotion, including RM500 million for the VM2026 campaign and RM60 million for the Tourism and Cultural Events Promotion, Marketing and Organising Incentive Fund.
VM2026 is also expected to provide economic spillover benefits to small traders, local entrepreneurs and rural communities through a large-scale tourism surge.
SSPA Phase 2 salary adjustment
Civil servants who opted for the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA) will enjoy the Phase 2 salary adjustment on January 22.
Phase 2 involves a 15 per cent rate increase for the Implementation Group and the Management and Professional Group (P&P), as well as 7 per cent for the Top Management Group (KPT).
The move, which is a continuation of the Phase 1 pay rise in 2024, is expected to have a positive impact on monthly income and household expenses.
People’s welfare
The government will once again channel the Basic Rahmah Contribution (SARA) of RM100 to 22 million people aged 18 and above in mid-February, involving a total allocation of RM2 billion to help Malaysians prepare for Ramadan and Chinese New Year.
Digital security
The country’s digital space will also see major changes in 2026 when all internet messaging and social media service providers with eight million or more users are required to register as Application Service Provider Class [ASP(C)] License holders from January 1, under the Deeming Provisions of Section 46A of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
The regulatory measure aims to ensure large-scale platforms operate within the legal framework in an orderly and effective manner, in addition to assuming clear responsibilities for the safety of users, especially children and families.
Along with this, the Online Safety Act 2024 will come into effect on January 1, emphasising consumer protection, controlling cyber fraud, exploitation and impersonation, including threats involving the misuse of artificial intelligence and deepfake technology.
Law enforcement
From January 1, community service will be imposed as an alternative to punishment, to emphasise rehabilitation and social responsibility. Offenders who litter and spit in public around Kuala Lumpur will be subject to compounds of up to RM2,000 in addition to more than 12 hours of community service for six months.
Meanwhile, for road enforcement, the traffic summons payment system has been replaced with the concept of “less you delay, less you pay”, offering a reduction of up to 50 per cent for early payment.
Youth and politics
The youth age limit has been lowered to 30 years following the amendment to the Youth Organisations and Youth Development (Amendment) Act 2019, emphasising the involvement of young people in youth organisations and leadership.
The Melaka state polls are also expected to be a focus in 2026, as it could provide an indication of the people’s support ahead of the next general election.
Sports agenda
Next year will be lively with several sporting events including the Malaysia Games (Sukma) XXII Selangor, which is scheduled to be held from August 15 to 24, involving 474 events under 37 types of sports.
Malaysia has also been awarded the hosting rights for two major aquatic tournaments in 2026 — the Asian Water Polo Championship (Under 18) and the 48th SEA Age Group Aquatic Championship.
Malaysian Aquatics (MAS) in an earlier statement announced that the Asian Water Polo Championship (Under 18), scheduled to be held from March 9 to 15 at the National Aquatic Centre, Bukit Jalil, will be the country’s first time hosting the event.
13MP
Next year marks the beginning of the 13MP, which is based on three principles — the formation of a sovereign and dignified nation-state, a social system based on the Madani people, and the transition to a nation based on artificial intelligence.
The five-year development roadmap aims to create an inclusive and progressive society and Malaysia a regional leader in digital technology through the production of innovation and world-class products and services under the “Made by Malaysia” push.
These developments make 2026 not just a new year, but a year that demands awareness from the people to be prepared for changes and make the most of new opportunities.
