Budget 2027: Turner & Townsend urges effective project delivery for Malaysia's growth
Turner & Townsend Malaysia says Budget 2027's focus on regional development and connectivity must be matched by effective project delivery to convert investment into growth. The firm cites RM431.1 billion in approved investments in 2025 and projects of 7.1% private and 6.8% public investment growth
PETALING JAYA (Oct 9): Budget 2027's focus on regional development, cross-border connectivity and social infrastructure must be matched by effective project delivery to translate investments into sustainable economic growth, says Turner & Townsend Malaysia country director Leo Leow.
Commenting on Budget 2027, tabled today, Leow said the budget's focus on housing, healthcare, rural infrastructure and strategic national assets reflects the importance of investing in infrastructure that supports businesses, communities and economic growth. He noted that Malaysia recorded RM431.1 billion in approved investments in 2025, while the government projects private investment growth of 7.1 per cent and public investment growth of 6.8 per cent in 2027.
“Turner & Townsend welcomes Malaysia's 2027 Budget and its focus on building the foundations for long-term growth. Regional development, cross-border connectivity, housing, healthcare, rural infrastructure and strategic national assets share a common thread – investment in the infrastructure that helps people, businesses and communities thrive. Malaysia has shown it can attract investment. Approved investments reached RM431.1 billion in 2025, and the Government projects private investment growth of 7.1% and public investment growth of 6.8% in 2027. The next challenge is turning that investment into projects and programmes that are delivered well,” he said in a statement today.
Leow identified cross-border economic corridors as among the key opportunities under Budget 2027, particularly the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) and the Sabah-Sarawak-Kalimantan corridor. “In Borneo, the Sabah-Sarawak-Kalimantan corridor puts Malaysia at the centre of a fast-changing region, opening new opportunities in energy, natural resources and regional supply chains. Together, they can create skilled jobs, strengthen local industries and reinforce Malaysia's position as a competitive, connected economy. Transport is also key - new ETS and KTM Komuter train sets, support for the RTS Link ecosystem in Johor Bahru and the rollout of the E-ART system show how integrated transport supports growth and regional connectivity. Alongside measures for first-time homebuyers and affordable housing, these investments strengthen both urban and rural communities. As Malaysia prepares for an ageing society, it can't plan homes, healthcare, transport and community infrastructure in isolation.”
He added that deeper economic integration between Johor and Singapore was driving demand for industrial facilities, logistics, housing, transport and digital infrastructure, while the Borneo corridor could create opportunities in energy, natural resources and regional supply chains. He also said that measures targeting first-time homebuyers and affordable housing, alongside investments in transport and community infrastructure, would help strengthen both urban and rural communities.
With Malaysia preparing for an ageing population, Leow said housing, healthcare, transport and community infrastructure should be planned in an integrated manner rather than as separate components. “Malaysia’s next phase of growth will be built not only within its borders, but across them,” he said. As infrastructure projects become larger and more interconnected, he stressed that effective planning, realistic budgets and timelines, risk management, and close coordination between the government, industry and project delivery partners would be essential. “Project success is no longer measured by how much is spent, but by the outcomes delivered,” he said.
