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Malaysia’s Anwar unveils cost of living measures as opposition rises
Anwar has faced declining support over a perceived failure to deliver on reforms as well as the mishandling of several high-profile corruption cases
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Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Sunday introduced measures to address rising living costs and support businesses, including restoring higher quotas for subsidised petrol and diesel purchases, as well as more funding for schools and small traders.
The measures are expected to take effect on September 1, Anwar said in a televised address.
“The economic growth of the country must be returned to the people,” he said.
Anwar has been under pressure to tackle higher living costs, even as Malaysia’s economy has outperformed most of its regional peers. The country’s gross domestic product grew 6 per cent in the second quarter this year, surpassing official projections.
Anwar said the government would restore a quota for Malaysian citizens to buy the popular RON95 transport fuel to 300 litres per month, after reducing it to 200 litres a month earlier this year amid a surge in global crude oil prices due to the US-Israeli war on Iran.
The quota for diesel purchases for certain categories of users would be similarly raised to 400 litres per month, he said.
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