Anwar finally fulfils cheaper petrol pledge; RM100 groceries aid for all

Summary

• Anwar Ibrahim announces that RON95 prices will be lowered to RM1.99 by the end of September, exclusively for Malaysians. Foreigners will have to pay the market price.

• PM also reveals RM100 Sara aid for all adult Malaysians to purchase groceries, valid from Aug 31 to Dec 31.

• Sept 15 has been declared an additional holiday this year, and toll prices at 10 highways will not be increased.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is finally delivering on his pledge to lower petrol prices, a promise that has dogged him since he made it 17 years ago.

In a televised address today, Anwar said the price of RON95 will be lowered by six sen to RM1.99 per litre before the end of September.

“I apologise for taking more time (to do this) because the country is facing huge debt and the economy is not doing well, and I had to attract more investment, more jobs, and AI (artificial intelligence), and so on.

“Now I think we are ready to look into reducing the price of petrol a bit. From RM2.05 now... mind you, the cost is still at RM2.50 per litre, but we are selling at RM2.05.

“And before the end of September, I will ensure that the price of petrol is reduced to RM1.99 per litre,” he said, adding that the initiative would benefit over 18 million motorists and motorcyclists, especially youths and gig workers.

This is only applicable to Malaysians, while foreigners will have to pay the market price.

The announcement was part of Anwar’s widely hyped “extraordinary tribute” to all Malaysians.

‘Saya ulang’ comeback

During his days in the opposition, Anwar had repeatedly promised that a Pakatan Harapan victory would lead to immediate petrol price cuts.

That promise has since become a sore point, especially after his Madani government announced plans to rationalise petrol subsidies instead.

This had led to Anwar's political opponents mocking his iconic "saya ulang" (I repeat) catchphrase that dated back to his campaign rounds during the 2008 general election.

However, last night the premier served a cheeky throwback to this “saya ulang” catchphrase as a teaser to the much-anticipated announcement.

Aid disbursal via MyKad

Besides cheaper RON95, the prime minister also announced that in conjunction with National Day this year, all Malaysians aged 18 and above will receive a one-off RM100 Rahmah Necessities Aid (Sara) that they can use to purchase groceries and household goods.

The aid will be disbursed via MyKad and is valid from Aug 31 to Dec 31. It can be claimed through over 4,100 participating supermarkets and stores nationwide.

According to Anwar, the "historical" initiative would incur an additional RM2 billion in government expenditure for this year, thus increasing its allocation for Sara from RM13 billion to RM15 billion.

Any unclaimed amount from the allocation would be transferred to other initiatives for helping the poor next year, the prime minister added.

"Perhaps some people who are rich or in such a position where they do not need this aid, the amount that is not utilised by the end of this year would be channelled to those who are poor and in need," Anwar said.

Extra public holiday

Additionally, in conjunction with Malaysia Day on Sept 16, the government will also be declaring Monday, Sept 15, as an additional public holiday.

‘Hopefully, this initiative can bring families closer, foster better unity and remind us of the greatness of our forefathers who proposed the formation of Malaysia," he said.

RM500m to cover tolls

Anwar also announced that toll prices on 10 highways will not be increased this year.

According to the prime minister, agreements between the highway operators and Malaysia's previous governments provide for a hike in toll charges this year, but Putrajaya decided to fork out RM500 million to cover the costs.

While Anwar did not list the names of the highways, a speech text provided by his office said they include the Lebuhraya Senai-Desaru Expressway, East Coast Expressway 2, South Klang Valley Expressway, Butterworth Outer Ring Road, and the Kuala Lumpur-Putrajaya Maju Expressway.

"I have also discussed the impact of the Rahmah sale, which was clearly attractive (to the rakyat) as the costs and prices offered are relatively cheaper.

"Thus, we are adding another RM300 million on top of the initial budget of RM300 million to widen its coverage and increase (Rahmah sale’s) frequency to a total of 600 state legislative constituencies."

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