Fuel price cuts not easy despite modest reduction

PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that reducing fuel prices, even by as little as six sen, is not a simple decision, citing the broader financial implications for the country.

Speaking at the National Anti-Drugs Day 2025 commemoration at Dataran Darulaman on Thursday, Anwar, who also holds the Finance Minister portfolio, said the recent decision to lower the price of RON95 petrol to RM1.99 per litre was made only after days of deliberation.

“It’s not easy to reduce the price of fuel, even by six sen. That’s why it took several days to announce—we had to assess the implications carefully,” he said.

“Yes, countries like Thailand and Singapore reduced their prices earlier, but ours is already lower. This is for the people of Malaysia.”

Addressing criticism that the cut is negligible, he said, “They say it’s only six sen, but they haven’t listened to the explanation. Don’t trivialise the matter.”

Anwar also defended the government’s decision not to extend fuel subsidies to foreign nationals.

“I find it odd that the opposition questions why foreign workers are being burdened. They don’t pay taxes. In what world do foreigners receive the same treatment as citizens?” he asked.

He further commented on public criticism surrounding the one-off RM100 cash assistance under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme, which was recently extended to all Malaysians aged 18 and above.

“The RM100 is on top of the increased allocation from RM13 billion to RM15 billion. A husband and wife each receive RM100, and if there’s a child aged 18, they get it too,” he said.

On infrastructure spending, Anwar revealed that the government’s decision to postpone toll rate hikes has cost the state up to RM500 million in compensation to concessionaires.

“Under previous agreements—not signed by me—tolls were due to increase this year. If we freeze the hike, the government has to pay. We chose not to raise rates to avoid burdening the people. So if you don’t want to say thank you, at least don’t criticise,” he remarked.

The event drew over 6,000 participants and served to reinforce national commitment in the ongoing fight against drug abuse—a major public health and safety issue in Malaysia. - July 26, 2025