24/07/2025

THURSDAY | JULY 24, 2025

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One-off RM100 aid for every adult M’sian: PM

Vacancies at public healthcare facilities to be filled soon PETALING JAYA: The government will expedite the filling of 4,352 positions at public healthcare facilities by the end of this year, with priority given to contract doctors, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said immediate steps are needed to strengthen the country’s healthcare delivery. “There have been complaints about critical vacancies, particularly involving doctors. So, we have decided that while services must improve, there is also a clear need to bring in new and contract doctors,” he said during a televised address to the nation yesterday. He said Malaysia’s economic trajectory remains “strong and convincing”, a sentiment reflected in both domestic indicators and positive global assessments. “The ringgit’s value reflects growing confidence, having strengthened by over 5% against the US dollar as of mid-year. The ringgit currently stands at RM4.23, placing it among the top five performing Asian currencies this year. “GDP growth for the first quarter stood at 4.4%, and based on early estimates, the second quarter is expected to reach 4.5%. “Malaysia climbed 11 spots to 23rd place in the International Institute for Management Development World Competitiveness Ranking 2025. “Last year, we recorded the highest approved investments in history at RM384 billion, a 17% increase from 2023, and this figure is expected to rise further this year.”– By Qirana Nabilla Mohd Rashidi Launch of Sejahtera Madani initiative today PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will launch the Sejahtera Madani initiative today, reaffirming the government’s commitment to eradicating hardcore poverty in Malaysia. He said the initiative continues efforts to ensure sustained aid for low-income groups, with support from both the public and corporate sectors. Anwar made the remarks during the Special Appreciation for Malaysians address yesterday. “Ending hardcore poverty has been a goal of mine from the beginning. By the end of 2024, nearly 150,000 households who were in that category have seen their status improve,”he said during the Special Appreciation for Malaysians address yesterday. – By Qirana Nabilla Mohd Rashidi ‘Ambalat areas part of nation’s territory’ KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia holds the position that Blocks ND6 and ND7 in the Sulawesi Sea, claimed by Indonesia as the “Ambalat” block, are part of Malaysia’s sovereign territory, said the Foreign Ministry in a written reply posted on the Parliament portal. It said the stance is based on international law following the decision of the International Court of Justice in 2002. “In this regard, the reference to Ambalat for parts of the blocks is inaccurate and misleading. Therefore, the correct term for the area in question, in line with Malaysia’s position, is the Sulawesi Sea.” It was responding to a question from Datuk Jonathan Yasin (GRS-Ranau), who asked whether the consent of the Sabah government would be sought before any agreement is made with the Indonesian government regarding a proposed joint development approach for the Ambalat block. The ministry explained that during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s official visit to Indonesia on June 27, both leaders issued a joint statement on the proposed joint development in the Sulawesi Sea. – Bernama

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o In special televised address, Anwar also unveils boost in subsidies for essential goods and additional public holiday on Sept 15

PETALING JAYA: In a sweeping move to ease financial pressure on Malaysians and uplift the national spirit ahead of Merdeka and Malaysia Day, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday unveiled a RM2 billion cash aid initiative for all adults, a significant boost in subsidies for essential goods and an additional public holiday. “In celebration of our National Day, I am pleased to announce that every adult Malaysian will receive RM100 through his MyKad under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah scheme,” he said during a special televised address. The one-off aid will benefit 22 million citizens aged 18 and above. It can be utilised between Aug 31 and Dec 31 at over 4,100 participating outlets nationwide, including Mydin, Lotus’s, Econsave, 99 Speedmart and select local grocery stores. “That means a household consisting of a husband, wife and two adult children will receive RM400 in total.” He said with this latest injection, the combined allocation for the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah initiatives will increase to RM15 billion from RM13 billion, making it the largest-ever cash assistance programme in Malaysia’s history and the first time such aid is being extended to all adult Malaysians. Acknowledging that some recipients may not necessarily need the assistance, Anwar encouraged those in a better financial position to leave the credit unspent. “For those who choose not to use it, the government intends to channel the unused balance at the end of the year towards programmes that support vulnerable communities next year.” Anwar also announced that the allocation for the Jualan Rahmah Madani programme would be doubled to RM600 million, up from RM300 million this year, enabling the programme to expand both in frequency and geographic reach, covering 600 state constituencies in the country. “We want the people to have better access to basic necessities at affordable prices, no matter where they live. We will also expand the range of essential items offered, providing the public with more options and better access to basic necessities at lower prices.” The programme is part of the government’s broader strategy to make essential goods more affordable for Malaysians and reduce everyday financial strain. Capping the announcements, Anwar declared that Sept 15, which falls on a Monday, will be a public holiday, effectively creating a long weekend for Malaysians to celebrate the formation of the country. “This holiday is a token of appreciation for the spirit of togetherness that defines our country. It is also a chance for people to reconnect with their roots or travel locally.” Further announcements are expected as relief measures are rolled out in phases.

HIGHLIGHTS OF ANNOUNCEMENT BY PM ANWAR

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All Malaysians aged 18 and above will receive a RM100 one-off SARA credit via MyKad RM100 ONE-OFF SARA AID

usable from Aug 31 to Dec 31 at over 4,100 stores nationwide.

RON95 PRICE DROP TO RM1.99 A new targeted subsidy will reduce RON95 petrol to RM1.99 per litre for Malaysians, starting by end September, while foreigners will pay the market price. 2 p RON95 PRICE DROP TO RM199

SEPT 15 DECLARED PUBLIC HOLIDAY Sept 15 (Monday) has been declared a public holiday in conjunction with Malaysia Day to encourage family bonding and local tourism. 3 y g

NO TOLL HIKE IN 2025 4

Toll rates will remain unchanged in 2025 for 10 highways, including MEX, SKVE, LPT2, SDE, LLB, with the government absorbing over RM500 million in compensation costs.

The government has doubled the allocation for Jualan Rahmah Madani to RM600 million, expanding it to 600 state constituencies with more items and increased frequency. JUALAN RAHMAH MADANI EXPANDED 5 ith it d i d f

ELECTRICITY BILLS DOWN FOR HOUSEHOLD USERS 85% of domestic electricity consumers enjoy lower bills beginning July, with reductions of up to 14% after tariff restructuring. 6

THESUN GRAPHICS BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI

Subsidised price of RON95 to be set at RM1.99 PUTRAJAYA: About 18 million Malaysian drivers and motorcyclists, including youth as young as 16 and gig workers, are set to benefit from a new targeted fuel subsidy that will see RON95 petrol priced at just RM1.99 per litre. “Although global oil prices have fallen, the unsubsidised price of RON95 is still around RM2.50 per litre.”

He acknowledged that broad subsidies were necessary in the past, especially during periods of high national debt and low government revenue. “I apologise for the delay in implementing reforms. But we had to make tough calls on water, electricity, and fuel to stabilise the economy first.” He said now that conditions have improved, reforms can move forward. Anwar also announced that toll rate hikes scheduled for this year on 10 highways would be postponed, despite the increases being part of long-standing concession agreements. “According to projections, tolls were supposed to go up this year.” The government will fork out over RM500 million in compensation to maintain the current toll rates. The selected highways include the Senai-Desaru Expressway, East Coast Expressway Phase 2, South Klang Valley Expressway, Butterworth Outer Ring Road and KL-Putrajaya Expressway. – By Qirana Nabilla Mohd Rashidi

He said the RM1.99 price is still heavily subsidised and represents a major commitment by the government despite the improved fiscal outlook. In 2023, RM20 billion was spent to keep fuel prices manageable. The same amount was allocated in 2024. Addressing concerns about rising utility costs, Anwar said claims of increased electricity bills are inaccurate. He said in fact, 85% of domestic users are now paying less than before, thanks to lower energy generation costs. “Although the tariff has changed, bills have gone down, some by as much as 14% compared with the first half of the year.” Anwar slammed critics for spreading misinformation, saying the reality is that Malaysians are seeing real savings.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the long-anticipated plan would be implemented soon, with full details to be revealed by the end of September. “The government’s commitment has never wavered in ensuring that public subsidies go to those who truly need them. Ordinary Malaysians will continue to benefit, but leakage to ineligible groups, including foreign nationals, must stop.” Under the new system, only Malaysian citizens will qualify for the subsidised RON95 rate, verified via MyKad. Foreigners will be required to pay the full market price. Anwar said the current blanket subsidy model is no longer sustainable, with the government spending nearly RM20 billion annually on RON95 alone.