Don't ridicule RM100 aid, many need it - PM

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called for a halt to criticism of the RM100 Rahmah Necessities Aid (Sara), emphasising that the assistance is invaluable to many households facing economic hardship.

He explained that low-income families comprising a married couple with two adult offspring would receive RM400 in financial support, which could reach up to RM700 when coupled with the Rahmah Cash Contribution (STR) scheme.

"Yesterday, I announced several additional measures. For those who are offended, it's all right. It's the norm in the political world.

“Just RM100? Right, some of you earn RM20,000 a month, RM40,000 a month - RM100 means nothing to you. But I know that when we go to the villages, there is an impact. And this is additional support.”

"Listening to some of the opposition MPs in Parliament - 'just RM100? Just RM100?' Can't they read? If I call them short-sighted, they get angry. This is additional. From RM13 billion to RM15 billion for this year, for STR and Sara,” he said in his speech during the Finance Ministry’s monthly assembly in Putrajaya today.

The premier also explained the decision to lower RON95 price for citizens.

“Similarly, with the reduction in petrol prices. I had to do that. Even when we were discussing petrol price reductions, I had already indicated there would be some.

“It's rational - petrol in Saudi Arabia is RM1.99 or RM2. So regardless, we're reducing it as well, and we've said that foreign nationals will have to follow market prices. That's what we'll establish later," he added.

‘One announcement can’t solve it all’

Yesterday, Anwar announced that the price of petrol for Malaysians will be reduced from RM2.05 per litre to RM1.99 per litre by the end of September.

In addition, Malaysians aged 18 and above will receive the one-off RM100 under Sara, to purchase groceries and household goods from participating shops, and there will be an additional public holiday on Sept 15.

The toll charges at 10 highways will also not be increased for this year, which will cost the government RM500 million.

"There's no such thing as a single announcement that can solve all problems. Even Budget 2026 won't possibly resolve all our country's issues. So we're trying," Anwar added.

'Turun Anwar'? It's ok

Anwar also dismissed calls for his resignation, insisting they would have no political impact whatsoever.

"This isn't a matter of political dispute. If it's politics, then wait for the general election in two years. So this 'turun Anwar' (step down Anwar) business has no effect. Don't worry about it," he said.

The “Turun Anwar” protest scheduled for 2pm in downtown Kuala Lumpur this Saturday is the apex of a series of smaller demonstrations the opposition has been organising, calling for Anwar's resignation.

Bernama yesterday reported Kuala Lumpur police chief Usuf Jan Mohamad saying that the police received 60 reports on the rally.

He said approximately 10,000 to 15,000 people are expected to attend, comprising a mix of NGOs, students, and the public.

PAS’ Arau MP Shahidan Kassim, however, was more confident that the rally would draw even bigger numbers, predicting a turn-up of up to half a million.

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