PM Anwar to make special appreciation announcement for Malaysians tomorrow
This was announced by Communication Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil on Facebook on Tuesday (July 22).
The announcement comes after Anwar said in Penang on July 19 that he would be making an 'extraordinary tribute' announcement to Malaysians in the upcoming week.
'I need a little more time to make the announcement, to allow my team under the Finance Ministry to prepare the 'surprise' in greater detail to ensure it is comprehensive.
'The country is currently facing an increase in the cost of living, but it is not only happening in Malaysia but around the world. It is a worldwide problem.
'We want to increase salaries and allowances for public servants by RM10bil this year, and next year by an additional RM18bil. We want to do the same with the STR (Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah) by RM13bil, making it RM23bil,' he said during his speech at the Madani Bumiputera Tunas Master Plan and the JKPSB Housing Project at the Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Campus in Permatang Pauh on Saturday (July 19).
Anwar said he is seeking ways and efforts that can be implemented.
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Straits Times
13 hours ago
- Straits Times
Malaysia unveils fuel price cut and cash aid in stimulus package.
The announcement comes just days ahead of a major anti-government protest on July 26. – Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on July 23 unveiled a series of economic measures, including a one-time RM100 (S$30) cash handout for all adults, reduced fuel prices and a delay in toll hikes, aimed at tackling cost-of-living pressures and stimulate spending. Analysts see the announcement – which had earlier been couched by Datuk Seri Anwar as an 'appreciation package' for Malaysians – as both a 'mini stimulus package' and a strategic move to shore up support amid mounting public frustration over rising prices and looming subsidy cuts. It also comes just days ahead of a major anti-government protest scheduled for July 26. In a nationally televised address, the premier said all citizens aged 18 and above will get the RM100 cash aid credited via the MyKad identity card. This can be used to buy groceries and household items at over 4,100 retail outlets nationwide between Aug 31 and Dec 31, and will benefit 22 million people and will cost the government RM2 billion. Mr Anwar also said that the price of base level RON95 petrol will be reduced by six sen to RM1.99 per litre by the end of September. 'Mind you, the cost is still RM2.50 per litre, but we are selling at RM2.05,' he stressed, referring to the current price cap. The move would fulfil an infamous pledge he made nearly two decades ago. As opposition leader during the 2008 general election, he had proclaimed that if he were to become prime minister, petrol prices would go down the very next day. 'I apologise for taking more time (to do this)... Now I think we are ready,' the PM said on July 23, adding that the initiative would benefit over 18 million motorists and motorcyclists. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. 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Toll hikes set to be rolled out for 10 major highways will also be delayed. Sept 15 has been declared an additional public holiday ahead of Malaysia Day, to 'appreciate our unification', the prime minister said. 'Since the first day of the Madani government, my priority has never changed: the people, the people, the people. Every policy, every decision we make... goes back to the people's welfare – for a more secure, prosperous and dignified life,' Mr Anwar said in his July 23 address. Madani, an Arabic term that roughly translates as 'civilised', is a catchphrase introduced by Mr Anwar to symbolise his vision of a fair, inclusive and progressive society. 'The initiatives I announced today are a symbol of gratitude to the people for standing with us on the Madani path of reform, as well as an immediate lifeline,' he added. Kenanga Investment Bank economist Muhammad Saifuddin Sapuan said the initiatives would provide 'a short-term fiscal boost that strengthens Malaysia's resilience amid ongoing global uncertainty', but could strain government finances and threaten fiscal targets. While Mr Anwar highlighted positive macroeconomic indicators for the country – inflation is at a four-year-low in June of 1.1 per cent, and unemployment at a decade-low of 3 per cent – real incomes for many Malaysians have lagged, while food and dining costs have soared. New taxes, including an expansion of the sales and service tax from July 1, and planned subsidy cuts have fanned frustration and unease. The government has struggled to implement politically sensitive measures, such the removal of blanket subsidies on RON95 petrol that was originally scheduled for rollout by the end of 2024 but delayed amid fears of public backlash. Mr Anwar has just said details will be announced by the end of September 2025. Formed in late 2022 following a hung Parliament, Mr Anwar's broad-based coalition government has provided Malaysia with a period of rare political stability following several changes in government since 2018. But the PM's reformist credentials have come under growing scrutiny. Asian Studies professor James Chin of the University of Tasmania said the measures announced were aimed at calming public unease and regaining support, particularly among non-Malays disillusioned by what they see as a lack of reforms implemented by the government. The opposition-organised rally, which police say could draw up to 15,000 people, is pushing for Mr Anwar to step down over the rising cost of living and his failure to deliver on promised reforms, among other issues. The recent appointment of a new Chief Justice after a weeks-long delay, has also helped defuse concerns over judicial independence, which had become another thorny issue for his unity government. Mr Anwar's approval rating edged up to 55 per cent in May, buoyed by earlier cash aid and relative political stability, but analysts warn that support remains fragile. Still, people like Mr Ricky Ng, 51, a Grab driver in Johor Bahru, gave the prime minister's moves the thumbs up. 'RM1.99 RON95 is better than nothing. Mr Anwar has managed to stabilise the government,' he said.
Asia News Network
14 hours ago
- Asia News Network
All adult Malaysians to receive RM100 under Sara programme for Merdeka Day, says PM Anwar
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Business Times
17 hours ago
- Business Times
Malaysia PM Anwar unveils cash handout, fuel subsidy revamp as protests loom over rising living costs
[KUALA LUMPUR] With his administration under fire and street protests looming, Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced a slew of initiatives, including a one-off cash handout and lower fuel prices, in a high-stakes effort to defuse growing public anger over rising costs of living. In a special televised address on Wednesday (Jul 23), Anwar announced a one-off RM100 (S$30) cash payment for all adult Malaysians, calling it 'an unprecedented gesture of appreciation and support amid mounting economic pressure'. The aid, to be distributed ahead of Malaysia's National Day on Aug 31, is expected to benefit some 22 million people and cost the government about RM2 billion. 'This is the first time in history that cash aid is distributed to all adult citizens,' he said, adding that total allocations for cash assistance programmes, including Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah, will increase to RM15 billion next year – up from RM13 billion previously. The one-off handout, which will be distributed through MyKad, must be utilised between Aug 31 and Dec 31. It is valid for purchasing essential goods at more than 4,100 participating supermarkets and grocery stores nationwide. Opposition leaders and civil society groups are preparing for a large-scale protest on Jul 26 at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur. PHOTO: FACEBOOK The move comes as Anwar's government grapples with public backlash over the expansion of the sales and services tax and other cost-pushing reforms. The broadened tax net now includes a wider range of goods and services, including imported fruits and selected luxury items, prompting discontent across segments of society. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 8.30 am Asean Business Business insights centering on South-east Asia's fast-growing economies. Sign Up Sign Up Adding further pressure, opposition leaders and civil society groups are preparing for a large-scale protest on Saturday at Dataran Merdeka. More than 300 people took part in a precursor rally earlier this month, calling for Anwar's resignation over economic grievances. According to earlier reports, opposition party Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) Youth deputy chief Hanif Jamaluddin described the earlier protest as a 'warm-up' for what he said would be a much larger show of dissatisfaction. Among those expected to attend the Saturday protest are prominent political figures, including former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin and PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang. RON95 price reduced to RM1.99 Under the new scheme, eligible Malaysians will be entitled to a subsidised rate of RM1.99 per litre. PHOTO: TAN AI LENG, BT Meanwhile, Anwar announced that the retail price of RON95 petrol will be lowered to RM1.99 per litre for eligible motorists – a reduction that is part of the government's plan to retarget petrol subsidies. However, he did not elaborate on the plan's specifics or implementation timeline. Under the new scheme, eligible Malaysians – including gig workers and licensed motorcycle riders as young as 16 – will be entitled to a subsidised rate of RM1.99 per litre. Foreigners and high-income earners will be required to pay the market rate, which Anwar estimated to be around RM2.50 per litre. Currently, RON95 retails at RM2.05 per litre under a blanket subsidy model, while the floating market rate for RON97 stands at RM3.21. 'The government remains committed to its plan to restructure RON95 petrol subsidies, while ensuring the public will not be affected by this,' Anwar said, noting that full implementation details will be announced by the end of September. He also acknowledged that the current subsidy system is fiscally unsustainable, saying fuel subsidies alone cost the government nearly RM20 billion annually in both 2023 and 2024. 'This targeted approach is aligned with our efforts to optimise national resources for the benefit of the people and reduce subsidy wastage,' he said. Toll freeze and public holiday In a special address, Anwar announces a RM100 cash payment for all adult Malaysians as an 'unprecedented gesture' amid economic pressure. PHOTO: PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE OF MALAYSIA To further sweeten the deal, Anwar announced the deferment of scheduled toll hikes on 10 highways this year, including the Senai-Desaru Expressway, East Coast Expressway 2 and South Klang Valley Expressway. The freeze will cost the government RM500 million. He also declared an additional public holiday on Sep 15 in conjunction with Malaysia Day celebrations. 'I acknowledge the complaints and accept that the cost of living remains a challenge that must be addressed, even though we have announced various measures thus far,' Anwar said, adding that an initiative to aid those in poverty will be launched on Thursday.
