PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has said government data shows that only around 15 per cent of Malaysians are directly affected by recent diesel price adjustments, with the remaining majority still benefiting from subsidised fuel.
He said about 85 per cent of users continue to purchase diesel at subsidised rates rather than market prices, rejecting suggestions that the policy shift has broadly impacted the public.
“People raise the issue of high diesel prices. I acknowledge and agree that there are those affected by the increase, including in the transport sector,” he said.
“However, only 15 per cent of the population are affected by purchasing at market prices, while 85 per cent are still buying at subsidised prices,” he added.
Anwar was speaking after officiating the new terminal of Sultan Ismail Petra Airport in Kota Bharu on Friday, an event also attended by Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud.
He also responded to concerns that groups such as fishermen had been affected by higher diesel prices, saying such perceptions did not accurately reflect the current subsidy framework.
“Some are angry, saying fishermen are affected by the diesel price increase, whereas they are actually buying at subsidised prices,” he said.
“Therefore, we should not use such examples. Do we need measures to ease the burden on the people? Yes, we are in daily negotiations to find ways to reduce the burden on the people,” he added.
The Prime Minister said the government remains engaged in continuous discussions to balance fiscal responsibility with targeted support measures, as part of broader efforts to manage cost-of-living pressures. - April 18, 2026
