In an announcement live-streamed on Facebook today, he said this would benefit around 18 million car and motorcycle users, including “youths as young as 16 and gig workers”.

He apologised for the delay in rolling out the targeted subsidies, saying this was due to the nation’s high debts and the weakening economy.

“Before the end of September, I will ensure the implementation of the rate’s reduction to RM1.99 per litre.

“This is quite a sharp drop, and involves increased cost to the government. However, this approach is in line with the government’s efforts to optimise national resources for public benefit and reduce subsidy wastage,” he said.

Anwar said the new rate of RM1.99 was only for Malaysians with MyKads, and that foreigners would have to pay the full unsubsidised rate.

His announcement came days after government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil said Putrajaya had pushed back the deadline for the rollout of targeted RON95 subsidies, initially fixed for the second half of the year.

On Monday, he said more time was needed to fine-tune the mechanism to prevent leakage, and that Anwar had informed MPs from Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan of the matter.

Anwar said the government would also postpone the increase in highway toll rates initially set to affect 10 highways this year.

“Toll rates were projected to increase this year according to an old agreement between the companies and a previous administration.

“However, the government has agreed not to implement the increase this year, and the government will bear RM500 million in costs to maintain the toll rates,” he said.

The highways involved are the Cheras-Kajang Highway, KL-Kuala Selangor Highway, New North Klang Straits Bypass, Senai-Desaru Expressway, East Coast Expressway 2, South Klang Valley Expressway, Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge, Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway, Maju Expressway and Butterworth Outer Ring Road.