KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysians have responded positively to the government’s latest measures to ease cost-of-living pressures, describing the RM100 one-off cash aid, expanded Rahmah Madani Sales allocation, and planned reduction of RON95 petrol prices to RM1.99 per litre as timely support, particularly for the low- and middle-income groups.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in a nationally televised address today, unveiled a broad relief package that includes RM100 in MyKad credit for all adults, to be used between August 31 and December 31 at over 4,100 participating outlets.
The aid is expected to benefit some 22 million Malaysians and is part of a RM15 billion allocation under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) and Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) programmes.
“This is a gesture of appreciation in conjunction with National Day and a step to ease the people’s cost of living,” Anwar said.
At the same time, the prime minister confirmed that the long-anticipated targeted fuel subsidy will bring RON95 petrol prices down to RM1.99 per litre once implemented.
The move is expected to benefit 18 million local drivers and motorcyclists, particularly youths, gig workers, and low-income households. Foreign nationals will continue paying market rates, with full subsidy details to be announced by the end of September.
Public praise
The announcements triggered a wave of public appreciation, with many netizens taking to social media to express gratitude.
“Alhamdulillah…this will help ease the burden a bit. Those truly in need will surely be grateful. And this is an addition for 2025. Thank you, PMX,” wrote Rosnizan Yakuldin.
“What PMX did today proves that he is a prime minister capable of handling the current global economic climate, which is on the brink of a crisis due to American tariffs. Well done PMX,” said Shahiral Kong.
Loh Cheng Heng added: “A very big thank you to our PMX for understanding the hardships and burdens faced by the people in their daily lives. You are the best.”
Toll rate freeze and Rahmah expansion
In addition, the government has suspended toll hikes for 10 major expressways, expected to save the public over RM500 million. The affected highways include the Senai-Desaru Expressway, East Coast Expressway Phase 2 (LPT2), South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE), Butterworth Outer Ring Road (LLB), and the MEX Highway.
To further support household expenses, the Rahmah MADANI Sales programme funding has been doubled to RM600 million, allowing greater coverage and a wider range of affordable essentials.
Malaysian Islamic Chamber of Commerce president Datuk Mohammad Sahar Mat Din, said the government’s approach was both targeted and comprehensive, Bernama reported.
“Overall, it is a very appropriate and timely move, especially the RM100 initiative under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) or basic Rahmah contribution initiative and the increased allocation for the Rahmah Madani Sales,” he said.
Views from the ground
Zaini Zakaria, who heads the Bandar Tun Razak Single Mothers Association, welcomed the cash aid but called for more flexibility under SARA.
“If we can buy wet goods, that would be good too. Sometimes the biggest kitchen expenses come from fresh produce, not just dry goods,” she said.
Personal driver Nor Azreen Nabila Mohd Maliki, 30, said she appreciated the government’s move to freeze toll hikes and fuel prices.
“My daily commute is long, so any savings on these costs really help,” she told Bernama.
Engineer Lee Wei Choon, 48, praised the government for finally including the middle-income group (M40) in direct benefit schemes.
“I feel touched because this is the first time we, the M40 group, have received direct benefits from the government. All this while, we felt that we were only taxpayers, but this time, in the spirit of National Day, I feel fortunate to be Malaysian.”
Unity and an extra holiday
In a move seen as symbolic of national solidarity, Anwar also declared Monday, September 15, 2025, a public holiday in celebration of Malaysia Day.
Professor Sarjit Singh Gill of Universiti Putra Malaysia said the additional day off represented the government’s commitment to unity.
“I believe Malaysians will support the noble efforts of the Madani government to bring citizens closer together in the spirit of mutual respect as expressed in the Rukun Negara. Diversity must be seen as Malaysia’s strength,” he said.
Private sector worker K. Sivananthan, 37, said the timing of the holiday during the school break would allow families to travel and reconnect.
Looking ahead
Anwar said the government remains committed to prioritising the people’s welfare. The 13th Malaysia Plan will be tabled on July 31, while the 2026 Maadani Budget in October will build on these initiatives.
“From the beginning, my focus has never wavered: the people, the people, and the people,” he said.
“Every policy, every decision, every effort we make today and tomorrow is rooted in improving the people’s well-being.” – July 23, 2025