Govt Committed To Easing Living Costs
PUTRAJAYA, July 30 (Bernama) -- The government will intensify efforts to address the rising cost of living through targeted initiatives and comprehensive public communications, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
Among the key measures already being implemented are the one-off Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) cash aid of RM100 for all Malaysians aged 18 and above, and the targeted fuel subsidy for RON95 petrol, he said.
'The government has allocated over RM2 billion for the SARA programme, enabling Malaysians to purchase essential goods at more than 4,100 participating outlets nationwide. If someone chooses not to use this benefit, they can still buy basic items and donate them to others.
'Should the amount remain unused by Jan 1, 2026, it will be returned to the Consolidated Fund to benefit other groups in need,' he said at the Communications Ministry's monthly assembly here today, which was also attended by Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching and secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa.
Also present were the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.
On the targeted RON95 fuel subsidy, Fahmi clarified that the benefit to Malaysian citizens is more significant than perceived.
'Qualified Malaysian citizens will pay around RM1.99 per litre, while non-citizens will pay the (unsubsidised) market price of RM2.50 to RM2.60. So, the actual benefit isn't just six sen, it's more than 50 sen per litre,' he said.
Fahmi also refuted negative perceptions about Malaysia's investment performance, stressing that several major investment projects previously in the planning phase have now materialised, with factories already operational.
In light of this, he called on Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) and Bernama to collaborate closely with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) to obtain verified data and ensure that accurate information on investment benefits is conveyed to the public.
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