logo
ACCCIM welcomes new measures to ease cost of living

ACCCIM welcomes new measures to ease cost of living

The Star23-07-2025
PETALING JAYA: The slew of measures announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will help to ease the cost of living and spur household consumption expenditure, says the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM).
"ACCCIM welcomes the Prime Minister's announcement of measures to show its appreciation to rakyat, including one-off cash aid of RM100 for all Malaysians aged 18 and above under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) aid initiative, Rahmah madani sales and the freezing of toll hikes.
"Malaysians will enjoy a lower RON95 petrol price of RM1.99 per litre once the targeted subsidies come into effect in September," it said in a statement on Wednesday (July 23).
ALSO READ: All adult Malaysians to receive RM100 under Sara programme for Merdeka Day, says PM
Pending the detailed announcement of the fuel subsidy rationalisation mechanism in terms of eligible criteria, it said the reduction in price of RON95 petrol by 6sen per litre would benefit around 18 million car and motorcycle users.
ACCCIM also said it hoped the new targeted subsidies would be implemented smoothly.
ALSO READ: RON95 petrol price to be lowered to RM1.99 per litre for eligible Malaysians
On the special holiday on Sept 15 in appreciation of Hari Malaysia celebration on Sept 16, ACCCIM said this would encourage local travel over the long weekend break but this could lead to additional labour costs, which would add to the overall cost of doing business.
ACCCIM also said it was looking forward to the tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) on July 31 as well as Budget 2026 later, adding that the government's five-year blueprint and spending plan would ensure the continuity of national development, prioritise sustainable economic resilience and high-quality investment.
ALSO READ: Putrajaya postpones toll hikes for 10 highways, says PM Anwar
ACCCIM also said it hoped that there would be no tax measures or policies introduced under Budget 2026, that would further burden businesses already reeling from cost increases.
"Malaysia must continue to maintain pro-investment and business-friendly policies to attract and retain both domestic and foreign investments, fostering economic growth," it added.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Govt to carry out surprise checks on 13MP projects
Govt to carry out surprise checks on 13MP projects

New Straits Times

time10 minutes ago

  • New Straits Times

Govt to carry out surprise checks on 13MP projects

PUTRAJAYA: The government will conduct regular and surprise checks on the implementation of all projects under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said the Policy Implementation Monitoring System (PPD), mentioned by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the 13MP tabling on Aug 1, will be jointly managed by the Finance and Economy Ministries. "We have scheduled reporting, twice a year if I'm not mistaken. "This time, we will ensure everything proceeds as planned since it spans until 2030. "I will personally carry out regular monitoring, surprise checks and project site visits," he told reporters after flagging off the 20th Premier Public Service Assembly (MAPPA XX) Run at Dataran Putrajaya this morning. Also present was Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz. During the 13MP tabling in the Dewan Rakyat, the prime minister said monitoring mechanisms would be strengthened through the PPD system, while the 13MP governance structure would be implemented in stages up to Cabinet reporting. Shamsul Azri also urged civil servants to ensure approved projects are promptly executed. He acknowledged that every project has its own timeline, but warned delays would frustrate the public who are meant to benefit. "Our purpose is to serve the people. We are supposed to make them happy. "So we must carry out development swiftly, without delay and free of bureaucracy," he said. Major 13MP projects include the construction and upgrading of 2,800km of rural roads in Sarawak, Perak and Pahang; a road-to-rail cargo initiative to reduce road accidents; infrastructure projects to strengthen cross-border connectivity and the economy; upgrading of Bukit Kayu Hitam and Rantau Panjang Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) complexes and Sabah and Sarawak Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQs); and the construction of one million affordable homes by the federal and state governments and private developers between 2026 and 2035.

'Shameless!' — Netizens slam S'porean who asked why M'sians won't share RON95 subsidy
'Shameless!' — Netizens slam S'porean who asked why M'sians won't share RON95 subsidy

The Sun

time40 minutes ago

  • The Sun

'Shameless!' — Netizens slam S'porean who asked why M'sians won't share RON95 subsidy

WITH RON95 petrol expected to drop to RM1.99 per litre soon, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has made it clear: the subsidy is strictly for Malaysians. He stressed that foreigners, including Singaporeans, will have to pay the market price — which could go up to RM2.50 per litre — because only Malaysians are taxpayers and should benefit from the government's subsidy initiatives. ALSO READ: 'Honestly quite absurd' - Singaporean criticises those filling up on RON95 in M'sia But not everyone agrees. A Singaporean netizen recently sparked a Threads debate by questioning Malaysia's fuel subsidy policy. 'Question for the Malaysians of Threads. Why are you against Singaporeans and other nationalities (but specifically Singaporeans) buying RON95 petrol? 'It's high quality and affordable. Why not share with your neighbours? In return we share other things. 'Isn't this called the kampung spirit?' he asked. The comment sparked a flurry of responses from both sides of the Causeway. One netizen called markkhng commented: 'I'm Singaporean and I'm embarrassed by this question. It's their oil, their national product, when it's convenient for you only then you pull out 'kampung spirit'.' 'I'm a Singaporean and am against Singaporean and other nationalities buying RON95 petrol. The Malaysia government susidised it for the Malaysian citizens. Get this right: This is the Malaysians' social benefit,' opined. 'Glad to see so many decent comments from Singaporeans. Many know that it's almost (crime) and fuelling up with RON95 here is akin to stealing our dwindling subsidies. We are not as rich as our neighbours. We do rely on each other but come on, this author's 'suggestion' is downright shameless,' fadhilasatoppi wrote.

US tariff cut, regional diplomacy signal Malaysia's return to global relevance under Anwar's leadership, says DAP sec-gen
US tariff cut, regional diplomacy signal Malaysia's return to global relevance under Anwar's leadership, says DAP sec-gen

Malay Mail

time40 minutes ago

  • Malay Mail

US tariff cut, regional diplomacy signal Malaysia's return to global relevance under Anwar's leadership, says DAP sec-gen

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 2 — Malaysia is carving out a more influential role for the country and for Asean on the world stage, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said today. He said the recent reduction of United States tariffs on Malaysian goods from 25 per cent to 19 per cent reflects how the country – and by extension, Asean, which it currently chairs – is regaining its footing globally under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. 'We are working to position ourselves as a 'middle power' while opening new strategic space for Malaysia to rise and advance once again,' Loke said in a statement. He added that Malaysia remains competitive even though it maintains a higher trade surplus with the US compared to its regional peers. 'Our current tariff rate is now on par with other countries in the region,' he noted. The US lowered trade tariffs for Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia to 19 per cent on July 31, while Singapore retained its rate at 10 per cent, Brunei at 25 per cent, Laos and Myanmar at 40 per cent. The new rates come into force from August 7. Loke said Malaysia's leadership as this year's Asean chair has also helped the country regain international relevance. He said Putrajaya played a key role in facilitating peace talks between Thailand and Cambodia, and confirmed that Trump would attend the upcoming Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur. This, Loke said, reflects growing confidence in Malaysia's leadership and diplomatic credibility. He credited Prime Minister Anwar's 'pragmatic, patient and constructive' approach for elevating Malaysia's position in regional security. Under the Madani government, he added, Malaysia has helped steer Asean into becoming a stronger and more cohesive bloc. Loke said Malaysia's diplomatic performance may not always make headlines, but the benefits are real — from easing trade tensions to fostering regional peace. 'The Madani government has not only delivered tangible economic benefits, but also elevated Malaysia's global standing,' he said.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store