Sibu: Sibu MP Oscar Ling has urged the government to strengthen enforcement fairness, expand medical education opportunities, ensure effective economic development, and improve public safety during the parliamentary debate on Budget 2027.
Ling called on the government to expand the assessment and recognition of medical and related healthcare qualifications from China to help address Malaysia’s shortage of healthcare professionals.
He urged the Ministry of Health, Malaysian Medical Council, and Ministry of Higher Education to adopt a more proactive and transparent assessment process, while maintaining Malaysia’s academic, clinical training, and professional standards.
Ling also raised concerns over the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living’s (KPDN) investigation into 18 Sibu rice traders, each facing a RM5,000 compound.
He urged authorities to investigate the entire supply chain if rice supplied by Padiberas Nasional Berhad (BERNAS) failed to meet the labelled broken-rice content limit, rather than penalising traders alone.
He called for a review of the compounds, including possible withdrawals and refunds where justified, stressing that traders should not be held responsible for issues beyond their control.
On the proposed Sibu Special Economic Zone, Ling welcomed the initiative but cautioned against repeating the experience of SCORE Tanjung Manis, which has yet to fully meet public expectations.
He urged the Federal and Sarawak governments to establish clear implementation timelines, investment targets, job creation plans, and funding responsibilities, with measurable benefits for local small and medium-sized enterprises and employment opportunities for young people.
Ling also called for the urgent procurement of a new aerial ladder fire engine for Sibu following the 21 July 2026 fire along Jalan Khoo Peng Loong, which severely damaged 10 three-storey shoplots and affected three others.
He stressed that firefighting equipment must keep pace with urban development and urged the Ministry of Housing and Local Government to provide a clear procurement and delivery timeline.
Beyond these local concerns, Ling welcomed Budget 2027 assistance measures, including RM2,500 for Form Six students, Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA), the Progressive Wage Policy, and RM200 in Early Schooling Assistance.
He emphasised that economic growth must translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives, particularly by easing household expenses, supporting education, and strengthening income security.
“Putting people first must not remain a slogan; it must be reflected in every policy and every ringgit of public expenditure,” he said, urging the government to ensure development benefits reach ordinary Malaysians.
