PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has defended the Malaysian government’s efforts to maintain the price of RON95 petrol at RM1.99 per litre, describing it as among the lowest in the world despite the ongoing crisis in West Asia that has sent global fuel prices soaring.
Speaking during a meet-and-greet session with current and former students of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Clifford in Kual Knagsar today, Anwar urged political leaders from both the government and opposition to base their debates on knowledge and evidence rather than unfounded criticism.
“Despite our efforts, I and the government have been criticised even though the RON95 price we maintain is among the lowest globally. In difficult times, we even reduced the monthly petrol quota from 300 litres to 200 litres, yet this too was condemned,” he said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the substantial subsidies provided for diesel, which benefit farmers, fishermen, and public transport operators.
“The increase in diesel prices does affect the public, but for these sectors, we provide subsidies amounting to RM6 billion per month. Imagine, over ten months that totals RM60 billion,” he explained.
Anwar emphasised the need for constructive discussion: “If you tax the poor, people get angry, but if the government has no revenue, there is no money. This is why we must discuss matters properly.
“Leaders, whether from government or opposition, must speak with knowledge, not recklessly.”
He urged reflection on the regional and global energy situation, noting the challenges faced by other countries.
“Our RON95 is RM1.99 per litre. In Singapore, it’s RM10. In another ASEAN country, 400 petrol stations have been closed.
“Consider this, because we are not immune to such issues. That is why I issued directives, including cancelling all ministerial overseas trips, as transport costs are already high,” he added.
Anwar also addressed questions about his recent official visit to Jakarta, Indonesia, where he met President Prabowo Subianto on 27 March.
He clarified that the three-hour trip, including two hours of discussions at the Presidential residence, was conducted for reasons he deemed essential for national security.
“People will ask why the Prime Minister went to Jakarta. There was a reason. I am not young, but I did this because I consider it a responsibility to the country,” he said.
The event today was attended by Minister of Education Fadhlina Sidek, Kuala Kangsar MP Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid, and the state Exco for Education, Higher Learning, Youth and Sports, Datuk Khairudin Abu Hanipah, representing the Menteri Besar. - April 4, 2026
