Student housing shortage, Syariah Court delays among Dewan Rakyat focus

KUALA LUMPUR: Strategies to strengthen downstream commodity industries, the shortage of accommodation at public university colleges and delays in Syariah Court proceedings are among the issues to be raised in the Dewan Rakyat today.

According to the Order Paper on Parliament's official website, Datuk Shamshulkahar Mohd Deli (BN-Jempol) will ask the plantation and commodities minister about strategies to strengthen downstream commodity industries.

This also includes strategies to increase the value of local products, reduce reliance on raw material exports and expand industrial opportunities and income for smallholders.

Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (PH-Bandar Tun Razak) will ask the higher education minister about ongoing efforts to address the shortage of accommodation at public university residential colleges, particularly for students from the B40 income group.

Additionally, Zulkifli Ismail (PN-Jasin) will ask the prime minister to outline measures to address delays in Syariah Court proceedings, particularly cases involving maintenance and child-related claims that have remained unresolved for years.

Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias (BN-Jelebu) will ask the economy minister about the government's assessment of the challenges facing the middle-income group, including rising housing, education, healthcare and family-related expenses, despite some households not qualifying for assistance.

Following the question-and-answer session, the Dewan Rakyat is scheduled to continue the winding-up session at the policy stage on the Supply Bill 2027 by the relevant ministries.

The current Dewan Rakyat sitting will run for 37 days until Dec 8.