Anwar Unveils Cash Aid for All Adults, Fuel Price Cut to Tackle Rising Costs

'Appreciation Package' Seen as Bid to Shore Up Support Amid Mounting Public Frustration

- Hazlin Hassan

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on July 23 unveiled a series of economic measures, including a one-time RM100 (S$30) cash handout for all adults, reduced fuel prices and a delay in toll hikes, aimed at tackling cost-of-living pressures and stimulating spending.

Analysts see the announcement — which had earlier been couched by Datuk Seri Anwar as an "appreciation package" for Malaysians — as both a "mini stimulus package" and a strategic move to shore up support amid mounting public frustration over rising prices and looming subsidy cuts.

It comes just days ahead of a major anti-government protest scheduled for July 26.

In a nationally televised address, the Premier said all citizens aged 18 and above will get the RM100 cash aid credited via the MyKad identity card. This can be used to buy groceries and household items at more than 4,100 retail outlets nationwide between Aug 31 and Dec 31, benefiting 22 million people, and will cost the government RM2 billion.

Mr Anwar also said the price of base-level RON95 petrol will be reduced by six sen to RM1.99 a litre by the end of September.

"Mind you, the cost is still RM2.50 per litre, but we are selling at RM2.05," he stressed, referring to the current price cap.

The move would fulfil an infamous pledge he made nearly two decades ago. As opposition leader during the 2008 General Election, he proclaimed that if he were to become prime minister, petrol prices would go down the very next day.