SNAPSHOT | Monthly fuel subsidy spending hit RM7.5b in April; PN no longer ruled by one party - Annuar

KINI SNAPSHOT | What’s going on in the news today, with updates at 9am, 2pm, 6pm, and 9pm.

9pm

Fuel subsidy

• Malaysia’s monthly fuel subsidy expenditure rose to as much as RM7.5 billion at one point in April, as tensions in West Asia drove up global oil prices and heightened concerns over energy supplies, said Finance Minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan.

  Bernama reported him saying that subsidy spending had increased from around RM700 million a month in January and February to RM5 billion in March, before reaching its peak in April, although the amount has since moderated following a decline in oil prices.

  

  “However, with prices now easing and becoming more moderate, we can probably expect subsidies to amount to around RM3.5 billion to RM4 billion,” Amir said during a session titled “Balancing Fiscal Focus with External Risks” at Invest Malaysia 2026.

  Amir added that Malaysia had so far managed to avoid supply disruptions, partly because the country is a net energy exporter, while national institutions and oil companies had succeeded in securing supplies through their respective global networks.

Politics

• PAS central committee member Annuar Musa said that Perikatan Nasional is no longer ruled by a single party.

  “That era is over. PN members decide for PN,” he said in a brief statement on Facebook today.

  

  In a separate post, the former Umno man said that all those who had attended PAS’ meeting had unanimously agreed with the decision to break up with Bersatu.

  Any statements saying otherwise were slander, he added.

READ MORE: PAS ends political ties with Bersatu

• MIPP president P Punithan has said that his party will decide its future in Perikatan Nasional on Sunday, during its central committee meeting.

  “We will decide our future,” Free Malaysia Today quoted him as responding to questions regarding the matter.

READ MORE: Gerakan, MIPP avoid weighing in on PAS-Bersatu split

Labour

• Malaysia has formally become a member of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Global Coalition for Social Justice, in a move that underscores its commitment to social justice and adherence to international labour standards.

  Human Resources Minister R Ramanan said the participation was formalised today through Malaysia’s submission of its letter of participation to ILO director-general Gilbert F Houngbo.

  

  “Malaysia’s participation in this initiative reflects the government’s continued commitment to strengthening the social justice agenda, expanding worker protection, and driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth, in line with the principles of decent work at the global level," he said on Facebook.

  Ramanan also emphasised the need to further strengthen a harmonious, inclusive, and effective tripartite ecosystem in Malaysia.

Previously at 6pm | No issues in Terriruddin's JAC appointment - counsel; Amanah warns Umno of 'treacherous' PAS

2pm | Azam finally files suit against Albert; Muhyiddin regrets PAS' breakaway from Bersatu

9am | Whither PN after PAS-Bersatu breakup?; calls for Muhyiddin to return as coalition chief

Nur Jazlan: Onn's anti-DAP stance tapping into discontent over treatment of Marina

SNAPSHOT | No issues in Terriruddin's JAC appointment - counsel; Amanah warns Umno of 'treacherous' PAS

Sanusi: Bersatu reps remain in Kedah govt despite PAS severing ties

Bersatu reps in K'tan 'leave fate to PAS', Amar says 'wait and see'