The Sepang Municipal Council (MPSepang) has announced that its 2027 budget will prioritize fundamental services including road and drain maintenance, rubbish collection, and landscaping as part of a "back to basics" strategy. MPSepang president Dr. Ani Ahmad outlined the approach during the council’s monthly meeting at its Cyberjaya headquarters on September 28.

The council projects revenue of RM298.59 million for the upcoming year, with planned expenditures slightly lower at RM298.54 million, resulting in a modest surplus of RM50,000. Dr. Ani noted that maintaining a small surplus is intentional, aiming to promote prudent financial management amid ongoing economic uncertainty. She also highlighted that a surplus would positively impact the council’s standing under the Local Authority Star Rating System, where deficits would lead to a reduction in marks.

Both revenue and expenditure forecasts show a slight increase of 0.16% compared to figures from 2026. The budget allocates approximately 73% of spending towards operational costs, with the remaining 27% designated for development projects. This allocation reflects the council’s ongoing strategy since 2025 to maintain an operating-to-development expenditure ratio close to 70:30. Rising costs in electricity and fuel have been taken into consideration in budget planning.

While assessment tax remains MPSepang’s primary source of income, efforts are underway to boost non-tax revenues through licensing, investments, service fees, and facility rentals. Input from the public has also influenced the budgeting process, with eight proposals received via the council’s Budget 2027 ideas portal.

Dr. Ani emphasized that the 2027 budget incorporates gender-responsive budgeting principles, aiming to address the needs of diverse groups including persons with disabilities, senior citizens, women, men, children, and teenagers.

In preparation for the upcoming Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, which will take place at Sepang International Circuit from October 2 to 4, MPSepang expects to spend between RM200,000 and RM300,000 on maintenance and beautification efforts in areas surrounding the circuit. Activities will include landscaping, cleaning, fogging, and inspections. Traffic and security management will be primarily led by the police, with support from the municipal council’s enforcement personnel.

The council is also partnering with the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry (Kuskop) to facilitate participation by 60 local traders during the event. Final arrangements are still being finalized, with traders required to comply with event regulations, including restrictions on the use of plastic packaging.