ByTNS NEWS TEAM
KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim unveiled a sweeping series of initiatives to ease living costs and uplift citizens, including a historic one-off cash aid for all adults, reduced fuel prices, and an expanded social support network—marking Malaysia’s most inclusive direct assistance package to date.
Delivering his address titled “Appreciation for the People of Malaysia” on Wednesday, the Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister affirmed that despite global uncertainties, Malaysia’s economy is on solid footing.
Backed by a 4.4% GDP growth in Q1 2025 and improved global competitiveness, the Prime Minister said these gains are now being returned to the rakyat.
Universal RM100 Aid for All Adults
Effective 31 August 2025, every Malaysian aged 18 and above will receive RM100 via MyKad under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme, redeemable at over 4,100 stores nationwide including Mydin, Lotus’s, and 99 Speedmart.
The aid—individually allocated—means a household with four adults could receive up to RM400. This initiative alone is expected to benefit 22 million people and costs the government RM2 billion, raising the total STR and SARA budget for 2025 to RM15 billion.
RON95 Petrol Price Slashed to RM1.99
Anwar announced that when fuel subsidy targeting rolls out later this year, the price of RON95 petrol for Malaysians will be lowered to RM1.99 per litre, benefiting some 18 million drivers and gig workers. The government reassured that foreigners will continue paying market prices, while the rakyat will not be burdened.
Electricity restructuring in July has already led to lower bills for 85% of domestic users, with reductions of up to 14% compared to early 2025.
No Toll Hikes, Extra Public Holiday
The government will absorb over RM500 million to freeze toll hikes across 10 highways. Meanwhile, 15 September 2025 (Monday) has been declared an additional public holiday in celebration of Malaysia Day.
Job Creation, Wage Boosts and Poverty Reduction
Highlighting social progress, Anwar noted:
- Unemployment dropped to 3.0% (May 2025), lowest in over a decade.
- Over 250,000 new jobs were created in 2023–2024.
- Minimum wage was raised to RM1,700.
- 153,000 GLC workers now earn a living wage of RM3,100 or more.
- Hardcore poverty was reduced by 150,000 households between 2023 and 2024.
Initiatives like Sejahtera MADANI, Kampung Angkat MADANI and Sekolah Angkat MADANI were also scaled up to reinforce community resilience and grassroots empowerment.
A People-First Pledge
“My priority remains unchanged: the people, the people, and the people,” Anwar stressed, vowing continued reforms through the upcoming 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13) and Budget 2026, both aimed at expanding shared prosperity across all states—regardless of political leaning.
- TNS NEWS