Summary
- Anwar defends subsidy reforms to reduce wastage and leakages.
- STR and SARA allocations increased to RM15 billion.
- Government expects cash assistance could reach RM18 billion.
PUTRAJAYA, October 20 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said subsidy rationalisation remains one of Malaysia’s toughest economic reforms but is necessary to reduce wastage and financial leakages.
Speaking at the Finance Ministry’s monthly assembly, Anwar said previous administrations had struggled to implement similar measures.
He highlighted increased allocations for Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA), rising from RM8 billion to RM15 billion, with spending potentially reaching RM18 billion.
Anwar also urged civil servants to improve efficiency, reduce bureaucracy and uphold integrity to ensure public resources benefit Malaysians.
