KUCHING: The Sarawak government has welcomed the announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim regarding various rakyat-centric incentives.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg expressed his appreciation to the federal government for the initiatives that aim to ease the burden on Malaysians.
“We thank the federal government for reducing the price of RON95 petrol and for introducing several incentives for the people.
“This means that not only those in Kuala Lumpur will benefit, but Sarawakians too. It will help ease the financial pressure faced by the rakyat,” he said at a press conference after officiating PETROS’ first piped gas supply to Sungai Plan, Bintulu, today (July 23).
Earlier, Anwar announced a one-off RM100 cash aid for all Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above, to be distributed in conjunction with Independence Day under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah programme.
The cash will be disbursed via MyKad and must be spent between August 31 and December 31 on basic necessities at more than 4,100 participating stores, including supermarkets and grocery outlets.
The RM2 billion initiative is expected to benefit around 22 million individuals. Any unused funds will be rechanneled to support vulnerable groups under new assistance programmes in 2026.
Anwar also announced a freeze on the scheduled toll rate hikes at 10 highways, with the government providing over RM500 million in compensation to concessionaires.
Additionally, the allocation for the Madani Rahmah Sales programme, which offers essential goods at lower prices, has been doubled to RM600 million. This move aims to expand the programme’s coverage and include more types of goods.
In celebration of Malaysia Day, the Prime Minister also declared September 15 a public holiday.
As part of the subsidy retargeting plan, the price of RON95 petrol for eligible motorists will be reduced to RM1.99 per litre from the current RM2.05.
