PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim should be given more time to address the numerous issues plaguing the country, including the rising living costs.
Stressing that some of the issues were inherited by the administration including the global phenomenon of rising living costs, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that the state appreciates the latest Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiative.
Anwar should be given room and time to navigate both domestic and global economic pressures, including the US import tariffs, which could impact Malaysian exports.
“Anwar should be given a free hand to mediate and mitigate the current situation. He deserves more time to address these concerns in a meaningful way,” Chow said.
Chow also urged the government to expedite the disbursement and application processes for related matters.
He recorded his appreciation to Anwar, including the one-off RM100 payout to all Malaysians, but said there is also a need for more concrete and sustainable solutions to mitigate the rising living costs.
Chow said the Federal Government is operating under tight fiscal constraints but he urged for more forward-looking policies, which are people centric.
“Despite the tight financial situation, this incentive, which will cost the government billions, is still appreciated," the Batu Kawan MP told the state's official newsletter - Bulletin Mutiara after Anwar released the measures to alleviate living costs.
“I believe the people are looking forward to more comprehensive forms of assistance, such as initiatives that ease the cost of doing business, or through infrastructure projects that create jobs and spur growth,” Chow said.
Earlier, Anwar said the RM100 cash aid will be disbursed to all Malaysians aged 18 and above via MyKad, starting Aug 31 until Dec 31.
The funds can be used to purchase basic necessities at over 4,100 participating outlets, including Mydin, Lotus’s, Econsave, and 99 Speedmart.
The prime minister also unveiled several other people-centric initiatives, such as September 15 has been declared a public holiday in conjunction with Malaysia Day celebrations, expansion of the Jualan Rahmah Madani programme, with an increased allocation of RM600 million, electricity tariffs will be reduced by up to 14% following a restructuring exercise, RON95 petrol will be subsidised to RM1.99 per litre, and toll rates will not be raised in the near term. - July 24, 2025.
