Malaysia PM Anwar announces cash handout to ease rising living costs

Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced new measures to address public concerns about the rising cost of living. This includes a cash handout for all adult citizens and a promise to lower fuel prices. The announcement comes ahead of a planned protest in Kuala Lumpur calling for Anwar to step down over escalating prices and unmet promises of reforms.

Anwar's administration has implemented measures to boost revenue and productivity, such as a minimum wage hike, increased electricity tariffs for heavy power users, and new sales taxes on certain imported fruits and luxury goods. While Anwar stated that these measures target large businesses and the wealthy, critics fear that the increased costs may impact lower and middle-income earners.

Starting August 31, all adult Malaysians above 18 years old will receive a one-off RM100 (US$24) cash aid. The government plans to spend a total of RM15 billion in cash aid in 2025, up from the initial RM13 billion allocation for the year.

Police anticipate 10,000 to 15,000 attendees at the Saturday protest organized by opposition parties. Anwar acknowledged the challenges posed by the cost of living and announced further initiatives to assist those in poverty on Thursday.

According to the source: CNA.