KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today announced a series of impactful support initiatives for Malaysians, reflecting the government’s commitment to ensure the benefits of the country’s strong economic rebound reach the people.
With GDP growth projected at 4.5% in Q2 2025 and the ringgit appreciating over 5% against the US dollar, the Prime Minister stated that these gains must translate into real improvements in people’s lives. As part of immediate relief, the government will distribute a one-off RM100 credit to all Malaysians aged 18 and above through MyKad, starting 31 August 2025.
This historic initiative under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme will benefit an estimated 22 million people at a total cost of RM2 billion. To celebrate national unity and boost domestic tourism, 15 September has also been declared a public holiday in conjunction with Malaysia Day.
To combat rising living costs, Anwar announced the doubling of funds for the Jualan Rahmah MADANI programme from RM300 million to RM600 million, ensuring wider access across 600 state constituencies. In a move widely welcomed by commuters, toll rate hikes on 10 highways have been cancelled, with the government absorbing RM500 million in costs.
Additionally, a revamped fuel subsidy structure will soon lower the price of RON95 petrol to RM1.99 per litre for Malaysians. The Prime Minister also highlighted long-term structural gains under the Ekonomi MADANI initiative, including the reduction of unemployment to 3.0%, the creation of 250,000 new jobs, and the expansion of healthcare employment.
Over 150,000 households have been lifted out of hardcore poverty, and government-linked companies have ensured that 153,000 employees now earn a living wage of RM3,100. Reaffirming his people-first commitment, Anwar concluded, “Since day one, our focus has remained the same—rakyat, rakyat, rakyat.”
He emphasized that the upcoming 13th Malaysia Plan and Belanjawan MADANI 2026 will continue to prioritize inclusive, people-centric development rooted in sustainability and equity.
Key Initiatives Include:
• Reduced unemployment to 3.0%, 250k new jobs, minimum wage raised to RM1,700.
• GLCs ensuring 153k workers receive RM3,100 living wage.
• Expansion of healthcare jobs and efforts to eliminate extreme poverty.
• Historic RM13 billion in STR and SARA aid, and increased welfare support.
Immediate Relief Measures Include:
1. RM100 SARA one-off aid to all adults 18+ via MyKad (starting 31 August 2025).
2. Public holiday on 15 September for Hari Malaysia.
3. Rahmah sales program funding doubled to RM600 million.
4. Toll hikes suspended, saving the public over RM500 million.
5. RON95 subsidy targeting to reduce petrol price to RM1.99/litre for locals.
