New and Additional Financial Aids Show Malaysia’s Strong Economic Fundamentals

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivered an extraordinary speech on 23 July 2025 in Kuala Lumpur to a nationwide broadcast audience in which he described the contents as an “extraordinary appreciation” for the people of Malaysia. Anwar’s special announcement was basically a series of financial aid measures aimed at easing the burden of a skyrocketing cost of living.

One of the most welcomed announcements was the one-off RM100 cash aid for all Malaysians aged 18 years and older, which will be credited to their MyKad beginning 31 August 2025. The PM said the initiative, under an expanded Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara), will benefit 22 million Malaysians.

At its present module, the Sara cash assistance is limited to purchasing dry essential items such as rice and cooking oil, and personal care products and school supplies. In a statement on the same day, 23 July 2023, in reaction to PM’s speech, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said that the additional financial aids is an indication of the nation’s strong economic fundamentals under the Madani Government.

“The people-centric initiatives show that the Prime Minister has the people’s interest at heart,” Hajiji said. “The RM100 one-off assistance will allow recipients to purchase basic goods in 4,100 shopping outlets. The expansion of the Rahmah Madani sales to every state constituency, is also a much-welcomed news.”

The lowering of the RON95 fuel price by six cents from RM2.05 per litre to RM1.99 by the end of September 2025 through a targeted subsidy initiative will benefit 18 million Malaysians, Hajiji added. “The declaration of 15 September - the eve of Malaysia Day - as a public holiday, is the Government’s recognition of people’s need to have time to celebrate our special and historic Malaysia Day holiday on 16 September,” Hajiji said.