{
  "id": 4389819,
  "title": "Malaysia PM unveils measures to tackle living costs, support local businesses",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/malaysia-pm-unveils-measures-to-tackle-living-costs-support-local",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-08-30T09:06:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Investing.com",
    "slug": "investing-com",
    "url": "https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/malaysia-pm-unveils-measures-to-tackle-living-costs-support-local-businesses-4882031"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On August 30, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim unveiled a series of measures aimed at tackling rising living costs and supporting businesses within the nation. These initiatives, set to commence on September 1, include reinstating higher quotas for subsidized petrol and diesel purchases, as well as additional funding for schools and small traders. Speaking in a televised address, Anwar emphasized the need to return economic growth to the people, highlighting that Malaysia's GDP had grown by 6% in the second quarter of the year, surpassing official projections. Despite the country's economic success, Anwar acknowledged the pressure to address the high living costs that have arisen, even as Malaysia outperformed many of its regional counterparts.\n\nTo ease the burden on consumers, Anwar announced that the government would restore the monthly RON95 transport fuel quota for Malaysian citizens to 300 liters, up from the previous 200 liters. Diesel purchases for certain categories of users would also be increased to a monthly limit of 400 liters. In an effort to foster technological advancement, Anwar outlined the creation of an artificial intelligence program specifically for Malaysians aged between 18 and 30 years. This program would grant free access to essential applications such as Google's Gemini Enterprise, Wonderclip, and Alibaba Cloud's MuleRun. Furthermore, the government will enhance funding for maintaining schools, improving digital health systems, and offering micro-financing facilities for small businesses. The revenue threshold for businesses exempted from e-invoicing requirements has also been raised to 3 million ringgit annually.\n\nRegarding funds seized or forfeited from anti-corruption legal proceedings, Anwar assured that these resources would be directed towards government programs, with a particular focus on education and healthcare. The Prime Minister's coalition has experienced a decline in support due to perceived shortcomings in implementing promised reforms and mishandling several high-profile corruption cases. The coalition has also suffered losses in three consecutive regional elections in recent months, which serve as a crucial indicator of voter sentiment ahead of the general election scheduled to take place by early 2028. Anwar has indicated that he may consider calling for snap polls if the divisions within his administration continue to grow.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}