By Selangor Journal Team
SHAH ALAM, Oct 23 — Selangor stands to gain significantly from the recently unveiled Budget 2025, particularly in advancing innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), the halal industry and Islamic education.
State executive councillor for Islam and innovation Dr Fahmi Ngah said the budget demonstrates the Federal government’s commitment to elevating the tenets of Islam while fostering a culture of innovation, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) — industries where Selangor plays a crucial role.
“Overall, I am confident that the Madani Budget 2025 will serve as a catalyst for Selangor to continue leading in the promotion of Islamic values, the halal industry, and progressive digital innovation,” he said in a statement today.
Fahmi said the increase in allocation for AI-related education in universities from RM20 million to RM50 million, for example, is expected to significantly enhance AI research in the country.
With three of the four selected universities located in Selangor — Universiti Malaya, Universiti Putra Malaysia and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia — he believes this will indirectly develop the state’s AI technology ecosystem.
Fahmi added the New Investment Incentive Framework, set to be implemented in the third quarter of 2025 and aims to create high-income jobs in the fields of AI and emerging technologies, will align with the 2025 State Budget, which will be tabled in November.
“This initiative will be supported by Selangor’s ecosystem, which promotes the use of AI in small and medium enterprises (SMEs).”
On Islam, Fahmi expressed support for the Federal government’s decision to allocate an additional RM25 million to the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry to manage the welfare of abused children and implement faith rehabilitation programmes.
He pointed out that Selangor was the first state to set up a special task force to rehabilitate children rescued from Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH) shelter homes.
“The state is prepared to work together with the Federal government to ensure the children return to practising the true teachings of Islam.”
Fahmi said Putrajaya’s efforts to empower the halal industry through the MyeHALAL system, targeted financing for halal micro, small and medium enterprises, and an allocation of RM20 million to the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) will help strengthen the halal industry.
“Selangor, through agencies like the Selangor Islamic Religious Department and HIS Toyyiba Sdn Bhd, is ready to offer collaboration and expertise exchange to ensure the industry’s development aligns with the Selangor Halal Action Plan 2020-2030,” he said.
