RISING financial pressures on middle-income households and a shortage of residential college places for students from low-income families are among the public concerns set to come under scrutiny in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias (BN-Jelebu) will ask the Economy Minister how the government assesses the actual position of the middle-income group, whose members may not qualify for assistance despite facing rising housing, education, healthcare and family expenses.
Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (PH-Bandar Tun Razak) will ask the Higher Education Minister about measures to address the shortage of residential college places at public higher education institutions, particularly for students from the B40 low-income group.
The sitting will also examine delays in Syariah Court proceedings, with Zulkifli Ismail (PN-Jasin) seeking details from the Prime Minister on measures to resolve cases that have remained unresolved for years, particularly maintenance and child-related claims.
Separately, Datuk Shamshulkahar Mohd Deli (BN-Jempol) will ask the Plantation and Commodities Minister about strategies to strengthen downstream commodity industries, increase the value of local products, reduce dependence on raw material exports and expand income opportunities for smallholders.
Following the question-and-answer session, the Dewan Rakyat is scheduled to continue with the winding-up debate at the policy stage of the Supply (Budget) Bill 2027 by the relevant ministries.
The Third Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament is scheduled to run for 37 days until Dec 8. - October 26, 2026