By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, July 23 — The federal government’s move to lower the RON95 price to RM1.99 per litre and provide a RM100 one-off cash aid for all adults is a timely and rational decision, amid rising living costs.
Responding to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement, state executive councillor for investment, trade and mobility Ng Sze Han said the measures will ease financial pressure on the public while stimulating domestic consumption.
Ng said the targeted fuel subsidy adjustment, which was made in light of falling global crude oil prices, would not significantly impact government spending.
“With crude oil now trading around US$70 per barrel, I see this price reduction as a rational step by the prime minister and the Unity Government. The impact on public subsidy spending will be minimal,” he told Media Selangor.
“This shows the decision was made carefully and does not heavily burden government coffers, while still delivering direct benefit to the wider public.”
Ng said the lower RON95 price, combined with the RM100 cash aid under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah programme, would boost disposable income and support business recovery.
“In Selangor alone, over five million adults will receive the cash aid. It will go a long way in helping low- and middle-income households purchase essential goods. When people have more to spend, cash flow improves in the market and this helps revive businesses, especially micro and small traders,” Ng said.
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State executive councillor for investment, trade, and mobility Ng Sze Han speaks at the Selangor Twin Accelerator Programme 2025 at the Asia School of Business, Kuala Lumpur, on July 3, 2025. — Picture by FIKRI YUSOF/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
In a televised announcement today, Anwar announced the targeted fuel subsidy mechanism will be finalised by the end of September, with Malaysians set to pay RM1.99 per litre for RON95, down from the current RM2.05.
The RM100 cash aid, meanwhile, will be credited to the MyKad of citizens aged 18 and above from August 31, which can be used at over 4,100 outlets nationwide.
Separately, Anwar announced that toll hikes at 10 highways scheduled for this year would be suspended, with the government absorbing more than RM500 million in compensation to maintain current rates.
Among the affected highways are the Maju Expressway, East Coast Expressway Phase 2, South Klang Valley Expressway, Senai–Desaru Expressway, and the Butterworth Outer Ring Road.
He also announced that September 15 will be declared a public holiday in conjunction with Malaysia Day.
He said the extra holiday is meant to honour the spirit of unity that led to the formation of Malaysia, while also encouraging families to return to their hometowns or travel domestically.
The holiday, which falls on a Monday before Malaysia Day on September 16, will give the people a four-day weekend.
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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim speaks at the Prime Minister’s Department monthly assembly in Putrajaya on July 21, 2025. — Picture via FACEBOOK/ANWAR IBRAHIM[/caption]
