Netizens largely thanked the government for the measures, saying they would help them cope with living expenses.
“A heartfelt thank you to our prime minister for understanding the struggles and burdens faced by the people in their daily lives,” said one netizen in a Facebook comment.
Another netizen said the announcement this morning was smart in both strategy and timing.
“Maybe fewer people will show up for the July 26 rally now. Hopefully, fuel prices will continue to drop. Kudos to the Madani government,” he said in a Facebook comment.
The netizen was referring to the mass rally planned by the opposition bloc at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur, this Saturday to call for the prime minister’s resignation.
“In these challenging global economic times, receiving this kind of assistance is something I’m truly grateful for,” said a different Facebook user.
One Facebook user said the government was effectively returning taxpayers’ money. “Despite their intentions, this announcement truly benefits the lower-income segment,” he said.
In a special televised announcement today, Anwar announced a one-off cash aid of RM100 for all Malaysians aged 18 and above under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah initiative, in conjunction with the National Day celebration.
He said this was the first time that cash aid was being distributed to all adult Malaysians, with RM2 billion allocated for the initiative which is expected to benefit around 22 million citizens.
Anwar also said the allocation for the Rahmah Sales programme for 2025 would be doubled to RM600 million, and that Sept 15 would be an additional public holiday in conjunction with the Malaysia Day celebration.
He said the government would postpone the increase in highway toll rates initially set to affect 10 highways this year. It will cost Putrajaya RM500 million to maintain the toll rates.
Anwar, who is also the finance minister, added that Malaysians would enjoy a lower RON95 price of RM1.99 per litre once the targeted subsidies come into effect, with details to be announced ahead of end-September.
One netizen welcomed the government’s decision to proceed with the targeted RON95 subsidies, saying it would help ordinary Malaysians save money.
“No more excessive subsidies given blindly. This is true leadership: sharp and pro-rakyat!” she said.