Anwar unveils six measures for Malaysians ahead of Merdeka

PUTRAJAYA, 30 Aug 2026 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim unveiled six initiatives aimed at benefiting Malaysians ahead of Malaysia's 69th Merdeka Day celebration. Speaking during his Merdeka Day Eve address at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre, Anwar revealed a package of measures encompassing fuel subsidies, school maintenance, healthcare, artificial intelligence, micro-financing, and small trader support.

The first measure involves the restoration of the BUDI MADANI monthly fuel quota to 300 litres for RON95 and 400 litres for diesel. Anwar emphasized that this step aimed to provide relief to the public during his address. Additionally, the government plans to increase school maintenance funding from RM1 billion to RM1.5 billion, covering all types of educational institutions.

For the youth population aged between 18 and 30, the government will offer three months of free AI subscription services, contingent upon completing an AI learning module via the Rakyat Digital platform. The initiative will target 100,000 individuals. A RM1 billion allocation is also set aside to expedite medical treatment and reduce waiting times through the implementation of electronic health records and improved WiFi connectivity, covering 150 hospitals and 2,000 health clinics nationwide.

In support of micro-businesses, the government will raise financing from RM5 billion to RM6 billion, providing an additional RM1 billion for micro-entrepreneurs. Furthermore, RM200 million will be allocated under the Geran Sejahtera MADANI scheme to assist small traders, including hawkers and night market vendors. Finally, Anwar announced that the annual sales threshold for e-Invoicing exemption will be raised from RM1 million to RM3 million.