In a significant move to express gratitude towards the people of Malaysia for their unwavering support, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Wednesday unveiled a comprehensive set of initiatives aimed at alleviating the financial burden on citizens and reinforcing national unity.
These measures reflect the MADANI Government’s firm commitment to driving the country’s recovery and reform agenda while ensuring that the welfare of the rakyat remains the foremost priority.
At the forefront of these initiatives is the historic announcement of a one-off cash assistance of RM100 under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme. For the first time ever in Malaysia’s history, this financial aid will be disbursed to every Malaysian adult aged 18 and above, delivered directly through their MyKad starting from 31 August 2025.
This unprecedented move represents a direct and inclusive effort by the Government to provide immediate relief and support to the entire adult population, recognizing the diverse challenges faced by households across the nation.
In addition to this, the Prime Minister declared an additional public holiday on Monday, 15 September 2025, to coincide with Malaysia Day celebrations. This decision is intended to serve as a symbol of appreciation for the enduring bonds that unite Malaysians as one nation. It acknowledges the shared history and collective identity that form the foundation of the country’s strength and resilience.
Further bolstering efforts to improve the cost of living, the Government has announced a substantial increase in funding for the Jualan Rahmah MADANI initiative.
The allocation for this programme will be doubled to RM600 million, with plans to expand its reach to encompass all 600 state constituencies (Dewan Undangan Negeri, DUN) nationwide. By doing so, the initiative aims to make essential goods more affordable and accessible, directly benefiting families in both urban and rural areas.
The Government also reaffirmed its commitment to easing transportation costs by ensuring that toll rates for 10 major highways will remain unchanged. A budget exceeding RM500 million has been allocated to support this decision, thereby protecting the public from additional financial pressures related to highway usage.
This measure underscores the Government’s dedication to maintaining affordable and convenient access to vital infrastructure without imposing new burdens on daily commuters.
Moreover, the price of RON95 petrol will be reduced to RM1.99 per litre exclusively for Malaysian citizens. This adjustment is part of the Government’s broader strategy to manage living expenses and provide tangible assistance to households amid ongoing economic challenges.
Since the inception of the current administration, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has consistently emphasized that every policy, decision, and allocation of public funds must aim to elevate the dignity and quality of life of the people. The newly announced initiatives stand as a testament to this commitment, offering meaningful relief to the populace and reinforcing confidence in the nation’s reform trajectory.
Shahriena Shukri is a journalist covering business and economic news in Malaysia, providing insights on market trends, corporate developments, and financial policies. More about Shahriena Shukri.
