General : ​​​​​​​PM Anwar Announces Six Immediate Measures To Address People’s Cost Of Living

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 30 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim introduced six immediate measures to address cost-of-living concerns, effective September 1. These actions encompass fuel subsidies, school upkeep, AI integration, healthcare digitization, e-Invoicing, and microfinancing. Anwar stated that despite previous measures, he acknowledges ongoing struggles with living costs and has taken steps to provide temporary relief.

The first measure restores the Budi Madani RON95 programme, increasing the monthly allowance from 200 litres to 300 litres for over 16 million users and up to 400 litres for diesel-powered pickup trucks and four-wheel-drive vehicles. The second measure boosts school maintenance funding by 50%, from RM1 billion to RM1.5 billion, covering nationwide and religious educational institutions.

The third initiative, AI for the People, offers free AI subscriptions to youths aged 18-30 for three months. The fourth measure allocates RM1 billion to bolster the digital efficiency of the public healthcare system, including EMR system implementation and internet connectivity at 150 hospitals and over 2,000 clinics. The fifth measure raises the e-Invoice exemption threshold from RM1 million to RM3 million annually, exempting businesses with annual sales below RM3 million from compliance.

Lastly, microfinancing facilities expand by RM1 billion, raising total funding for 2026 to RM6 billion. Anwar also introduced the RM200 million Geran Sejahtera Madani to assist hawkers, small traders, night market vendors, and home-based business owners. The Prime Minister emphasized that these measures reflect a commitment to returning economic growth benefits to the people, and further announcements are planned during Malaysia Day celebrations.