Bursa Malaysia Ends Higher On Strong Sentiment Following PM Anwar's Announcement
At the close, the benchmark FBM KLCI gained 8.37 points, or 0.55%, to 1,527.27, driven mainly by gains in banking, plantation and utilities stocks. The market saw active trading across sectors, with financials and property counters also contributing to the upbeat tone.
Analysts said the positive close reflects optimism over policy measures expected to spur economic activity and enhance investor confidence. 'The market reacted positively as investors are positioning for potential catalysts following the government's announcement,' one analyst said.
The broader market was mixed, but sentiment stayed largely positive as buyers took positions in heavyweights. Related
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Only 40% of Malaysians believe country is on the right track, says survey
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2 hours ago
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‘It was not an easy decision'
SHAH ALAM, 22 Julai -- Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim menyampaikan ucapan pada Majlis Peluncuran Buku Melukis Dengan Hati: Biografi Perjalanan Seni 50 Tahun Karya Zunar di Pustaka Raja Tun Uda hari ini. -- fotoBERNAMA (2025) HAK CIPTA TERPELIHARA JITRA: Slashing the price of RON95 petrol, even if it is only by six sen was not an easy decision to make as the government needs to take into account the financial implications for the country, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said this was why he had to take a few more days to ensure a thorough evaluation before announcing the RON95 price reduction from RM2.05 to RM1.99 per litre. 'Yes, countries like Thailand and Singapore may have adjusted their prices earlier, but ours is still lower. '(You) want to disagree, it's okay, but please know this was not an easy decision. That's why it took days to finalise. 'Don't belittle this effort. Some say it's just a six-sen difference, but they didn't hear the full explanation,' he said at the National Anti-Drug Day celebration yesterday. Anwar also addressed criticisms of the government's decision not to extend fuel subsidies to foreign nationals, reiterating that such support is meant solely for Malaysians, as foreigners do not pay taxes to the government. 'I am puzzled with the Opposition's statement that we are burdening foreigners, claiming they too contribute to the country. 'I don't understand, in what part of the world are foreigners treated the same as citizens?' he said, Bernama reported. The Prime Minister also defended the one-off RM100 cash aid under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme for all Malaysians aged 18 and above. 'This RM100 aid stems from an increased government allocation, from RM13bil to RM15bil. 'A husband and wife will each receive RM100, and if they have children aged 18 and above, they will receive it too,' he said. Anwar also highlighted the government's decision to defer toll rate hikes, acknowledging that the move carries a financial cost of up to RM500mil to the federal budget. 'According to the agreement, toll rates should have gone up this year. I wasn't the one who signed that deal; the previous government did. 'If we don't raise the toll, the government must compensate the concessionaires. We chose not to raise it to avoid burdening the people. So even if there's no 'thank you', at least don't condemn us,' he said. On Wednesday, the Prime Minister announced a series of measures aimed at easing the cost of living. At the event, the Prime Minister expressed concern over the number of individuals involved in drug abuse, particularly among the Malay youth. 'The numbers are terrifying – loss of productivity, collapse of spirit. When it comes to drugs, we have to act. 'Hundreds of thousands of our young people are involved, especially among the poor and those with weak educational backgrounds. 'Their future is in ruins because of drugs,' he said.
