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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, as part of his "extraordinary appreciation for Malaysians" special announcement today, 23 July, unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at helping the rakyat with the rising cost of living.
Here are the four key announcements Malaysians should know about:
1. RM100 one-off payment for all Malaysians aged 18 and above
Anwar said Malaysians will receive the cash through their MyKad, and the initiative will fall under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme.
Recipients will be able to use the RM100 to buy essential goods at over 4,100 participating stores nationwide from 31 August to 31 December 2025.
2. The price of RON95 will be lowered by 6 sen to RM1.99 per litre
Anwar said the government's long-awaited plan to implement targeted subsidies for RON95 petrol will be rolled out by the end of September 2025.
This change is expected to benefit around 18 million Malaysians, including car owners, motorcyclists, gig workers, and youths aged 16 and above.
3. Additional public holiday on 15 September this year, in conjunction with Malaysia Day
The move, Anwar said, aims to celebrate the spirit of unity and the uniqueness of Malaysia's formation as a nation.
"It is also intended to encourage Malaysians to strengthen family ties back in their hometowns or take the opportunity to holiday within the country," he said.
Malaysia Day falls on Tuesday, 16 September, this year. The additional holiday will fall on Monday.
4. Planned toll rate hikes for 10 highways to be postponed
Anwar said the government will absorb over RM500 million to maintain the existing toll rates.
The highways involved include:
– Senai-Desaru Expressway (SDE)
– East Coast Expressway 2 (LPT2)
– South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE)
– Butterworth Outer Ring Road (LLB)
– KL-Putrajaya Expressway (MEX)
