Cover image via Anwar Ibrahim
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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today, 9 March, announced a series of government measures aimed at helping Malaysians prepare for Hari Raya Aidilfitri with greater peace of mind
The announcements were made during a gathering with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living.
Key initiatives include bringing forward Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) payments for 5.2 million recipients, as well as Special Financial Assistance for civil servants, retirees, and veterans.
Anwar said these measures aim to help Malaysians enjoy Aidilfitri with greater financial security and peace, while supporting key public service and education sectors.
1. Rahmah Cash Aid (STR) Phase 2
- Recipients: 5.2 million Malaysians
- Payment Date: From 10 March 2026
- Total Allocation: RM1.3 billion
The cash aid payments have been brought forward ahead of Aidilfitri to provide earlier financial relief.
2. Special Financial Assistance 2026
- Civil Servants: RM500 for Grade 15 and below, including contract staff
- Retirees and Veterans: RM250
- Religious Educators: RM500 for over 70,000 imams, bilals, tok siaks, KAFA, and Takmir teachers
- Payment Date: 13 March 2026
3. Cooking oil subsidy enforcement
- Policy: Sale and purchase of 1kg polybag cooking oil restricted to Malaysian citizens
- Enforcement Starts: 1 March 2026
This aims to prevent leakage of subsidised cooking oil and protect citizens' rights, with ongoing monitoring and legal action for violations.
4. Jualan Rahmah MADANI
- Events: 1,328 MADANI Rahmah Sales nationwide
- Duration: 9–20 March 2026
Items increased to a minimum of 50 types, with a focus on fresh goods for Hari Raya preparations.
5. FLYsiswa flight ticket subsidy
- Subsidy: RM400 per student
- Routes: Peninsular Malaysia ↔ Sabah & Sarawak
Beneficiaries include over 50,000 students from IPTA, Aswara, ILJTM, semi-government universities, state government IPTs, and the Institute of Plantation and Commodities. This expansion aims to ease travel for students returning home for the festive season.
6. Cost of Living Action Plan 2026–2030
The government has introduced the Cost of Living Action Plan 2026–2030 called "Lighter and More Planned Living".
This initiative utilises a "two-pronged" approach focused on stabilising prices while simultaneously increasing people's income.
The framework supports the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) and the MADANI Economy framework, with responsibilities now crossing all ministries, state governments, NGOs, and the industry.
7. Career path for administrative assistants
Promotion pathway from Grade 1 to Grade 5 is available for clerical and financial administrative assistants, based on service length, qualifications, and suitable special courses.
This initiative will benefit around 125,000 public service employees, enhancing career progression opportunities.
