Dhaka, Oct. 11 -- Malaysia said on Friday it plans to boost tax collection and strengthen social protection systems next year, as it looks to bolster government revenue amid external uncertainties.

Speaking in parliament, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced a budget of 470 billion ringgit ($111.40 billion) for 2026, a record figure that includes investments from some state-linked companies and statutory bodies.

The 2026 spending plan was revised sharply upwards from the 419.2 billion ringgit proposed in a government report just ahead of Anwar's speech on Friday.

Malaysia has maintained steady growth even though its exports have been hit by changes in US tariffs, but it needs to boost revenues to reduce its deficit and pursue the eco...