SHAH ALAM, April 15 — The Selangor government could introduce targeted stimulus packages amid global economic uncertainties to ensure business continuity and safeguard livelihoods, said State Secretary Datuk Ahmad Fadzli Ahmad Tajuddin.
He added that emergency support like that rolled out during the COVID-19 pandemic would be considered.
This, he said, would be necessary to support vulnerable groups like B40 households, farmers, contractors, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and industry players.
“All of these are on our radar as we look at how to ensure businesses can remain sustainable and continue operating. In times like these, the government will certainly need to spend.
“However, any spending must ensure it helps keep the economy stable and that the people can continue surviving, which is vital,” he told Media Selangor on the sidelines of an event at the MBSA Convention Centre here yesterday.
Fadzli added that initial discussions on a proposal to review the 2026 Selangor Budget amid living cost pressures were held last week, with the state now in the data-mapping phase.
He said any adjustment to the budget will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, with a focus on identifying sensitive societal segments to reprioritise existing allocations.
Among others, he said, funding could be redirected towards expanding aid programmes such as Bantuan Kehidupan Sejahtera Selangor (BINGKAS) and food aid initiatives, depending on the state’s priorities.
“We also need to look at other indicators beyond the cost of living, including connectivity, downstream impacts, and mobility. Our work-from-home (WFH) arrangements are already in place, and we need to be prepared for at least six months (of uncertainty).
“However, there has not been any detailed discussion on whether there will be additional budget allocations or if existing funds will be repurposed. At this stage, we are still in the data-gathering phase.”
On April 6, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the state would review its 2026 Selangor Budget following global disruptions, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has affected the supply of fuel, fertilisers and key materials essential to the healthcare and semiconductor industries.
He said the review would prioritise cost of living support and aid for vulnerable residents and industries, while also exploring opportunities such as accelerating energy transition measures.
Meanwhile, Fadzli said coordination with the federal government remains a priority in times of crisis.
“We are coordinating closely with the Economy Ministry. We do not want a situation where the ministry panics while we are not, or vice versa.”
He said the state is also considering expanding alternative energies such as solar.
“The question is are we ready to rely entirely on solar? This needs to be discussed in depth.
“Even though we have companies providing solar energy, we are concerned that the technology and capacity are not yet sufficient for a full transition. In other words, very few people are able to move their homes entirely from electricity to a full solar (power) system at this stage,” Fadzli explained.
