KUALA LUMPUR, November 1 — The Malaysian government is reassessing the income threshold for subsidy cuts, with the possibility of excluding only the top 10 per cent (T10) of earners instead of the previously suggested top 15 per cent (T15). Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim explained that authorities are considering if the T15 threshold might unduly burden certain households, particularly those earning around RM12,000 monthly.
If necessary, the threshold for T15 could be raised to RM15,000 or RM18,000 per month to ensure a fair approach. Anwar emphasized that the aim is to safeguard 85 per cent of Malaysians from any subsidy impact, saying, “If their income is low, we will take it into consideration as we do not want to burden the people.” He added that excluding high earners from subsidies could redirect savings to essential sectors, such as public universities and boarding schools, as part of the government’s broader fiscal reforms.
