Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today unveiled a sweeping cost-of-living relief package, describing it as a “gesture of appreciation and celebration” for the rakyat’s support during Malaysia’s reform journey.
“Despite inflation falling to 1.1% in June — the lowest level in 52 months — food prices remain elevated. With a full sense of responsibility, we are implementing several immediate measures to ease the rakyat’s financial burdens,” said Anwar.
RM100 One-Off Cash Aid for All Adults
In conjunction with National Day on August 31, every Malaysian citizen aged 18 and above will receive a RM100 one-off credit through their MyKad under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) scheme.
“This assistance is granted on an individual basis. A household consisting of two parents and two adult children will receive a total of RM400,” Anwar clarified.
The credit can be used to purchase essential items at over 4,100 retail outlets — including Mydin, Lotus’s, Econsave, 99Speedmart, and other local grocers — between August 31 and December 31.
This initiative will benefit an estimated 22 million citizens, with an allocation of RM2 billion. Combined with STR aid, the total cash assistance for 2025 now amounts to RM15 billion — a historic first for universal cash aid in Malaysia.
Those who do not require the assistance are encouraged to leave the credit unused; the unspent balance will be rechanneled in 2026 to help vulnerable groups.
September 15 Declared National Public Holiday
To mark Malaysia Day, Monday, September 15, has been declared an additional national public holiday. Anwar said this is to honour Malaysia’s formation, promote family reunions, and boost domestic tourism.
Rahmah Sales Budget Doubled
The Rahmah MADANI affordable sales initiative will see its budget doubled from RM300 million to RM600 million. The expansion will allow more frequent sales across all 600 state constituencies and broaden the variety of discounted goods offered.
Toll Hikes Postponed for 10 Highways
Scheduled toll rate increases for 10 highways will be deferred, with the government absorbing over RM500 million in associated costs. This includes major routes such as:
- Senai–Desaru Expressway (SDE)
- East Coast Expressway 2 (LPT2)
- South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE)
- Butterworth Outer Ring Road (LLB)
- Maju Expressway (MEX)
“This means the public will continue to enjoy the current toll rates,” Anwar assured.
RON95 Petrol Subsidy Targeting with Price Cut to RM1.99
Under a new targeted subsidy scheme to be implemented by the end of September, the price of RON95 petrol for Malaysians will be reduced to RM1.99 per litre — compared to an unsubsidised market price of around RM2.50.
“This will benefit around 18 million Malaysians, including youth as young as 16 and gig economy workers,” said Anwar, while affirming that foreign nationals will pay unsubsidised market rates.
He noted that RON95 subsidies cost the government nearly RM20 billion annually in 2023 and 2024. The new approach aims to optimise national resources and reduce wastage.
Lower Electricity Bills for 85% of Households
Addressing misinformation about electricity tariff restructuring, Anwar clarified that 85% of domestic users saw their electricity bills decline in July — by up to 14% — compared to the first half of the year.
Describing the package as one of the most comprehensive living cost relief efforts in Malaysian history, Anwar said the measures reflect his government’s unwavering commitment to the rakyat’s well-being.
“These efforts are a token of appreciation for the people’s endurance and support of the MADANI reform agenda,” Anwar concluded. He added that further enhancements would be introduced in the upcoming MADANI Budget 2026, to be tabled in October.
