KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 — Government measures to address disparities in access to doctors, specialists and diagnostic facilities between urban hospitals and rural healthcare facilities will be among the key issues discussed during today's Dewan Rakyat sitting.
According to the Order of Business published on Parliament's website, Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias (BN-Jelebu) will raise the issue during the question-and-answer session, asking the health minister to explain the government's measures to bridge the gap.
Also in focus is a question from Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan (PN-Permatang Pauh) to the investment, trade and industry minister on the risks associated with Malaysia's dependence on electrical and electronics (E&E) exports, which account for nearly half of the country's total exports.
He will also seek clarification on diversification strategies should the global semiconductor cycle weaken.
Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Tampin) will ask the rural and regional development minister to explain the strategic rationale behind the establishment of the first MARA hospital.
His question will cover the status of feasibility studies and planning, the proposed location, bed capacity, areas of specialisation, estimated development costs, funding sources and expected commencement of operations.
During the same session, Rushdan Rusmi (PN-Padang Besar) will ask the home minister to outline the government's integrated measures to combat the smuggling of people, drugs and prohibited goods through illegal routes along the Perlis border, including enforcement action against the syndicates involved.
Also on the agenda is a question from Jimmy Puah Wee Tse (PH-Tebrau) on the government's long-term policies to address climate change and the implementation timeline for the postponed carbon tax to ensure Malaysia remains competitive in a low-carbon economy.
Kamal Ashaari (PN-Kuala Krau) will ask the entrepreneur and cooperatives development minister to explain the monitoring measures and interventions being implemented to ensure Koperasi Permodalan FELDA Malaysia Berhad (KPF) settles outstanding share redemption payments owed to more than 9,000 members, including the establishment of a payment timeline.
This week's Dewan Rakyat sitting will also mark the start of the policy-stage debate on the Supply Bill 2027, following the tabling of Budget 2027 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also finance minister, last Friday.
According to the Dewan Rakyat calendar for the Third Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament, the policy-stage debate on Budget 2027 will run from October 12 to 22, followed by a four-day winding-up session by the relevant ministers beginning October 26.
The Dewan Rakyat sitting will continue for 37 days until December 8.
