logo
Fahmi: New measures show government's commitment to people's welfare

Fahmi: New measures show government's commitment to people's welfare

New Straits Times14 hours ago
KUALA LUMPUR: The measures announced by the government today will bring much-needed relief to Malaysians while driving economic stability.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim demonstrated the Madani government's sensitivity to the people's needs and its commitment to easing their burden through various forms of assistance.
"At the same time, the government will continue to strike a balance between strengthening the nation's financial position and ensuring the well-being of the people," he said in a statement.
Fahmi said the measures were carefully considered and based on the principles of social justice and economic sustainability.
"The approaches announced will not only stimulate economic growth and provide relief to the people but also strengthen the country's fiscal resilience in facing global uncertainties," he added.
Fahmi, who is also the government spokesperson, also urged all Malaysians to embrace the spirit of patriotism.
"As chairman of the main committee for National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations, now is the time for us to unite in heart and soul, appreciate the blessings of independence, and work together to contribute to the nation's prosperity," he said.
He added that the government would continue to strengthen the development agenda through the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) and the upcoming Malaysia Madani Budget, which is being formulated for the benefit of all citizens.
Anwar, in his televised announcement earlier, included initiatives such as a one-off RM100 cash aid for all adult citizens through the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme, an expanded allocation for Madani Rahmah Sales, extra public holidays for Malaysia Day, and plans to introduce targeted RON95 petrol subsidies that will reduce the price to RM1.99 per litre.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Chinese chambers of commerce welcomes govt's measures to ease cost of living
Chinese chambers of commerce welcomes govt's measures to ease cost of living

New Straits Times

time3 hours ago

  • New Straits Times

Chinese chambers of commerce welcomes govt's measures to ease cost of living

KUALA LUMPUR: The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) has welcomed the government's newly announced measures aimed at easing the cost of living and boosting consumer spending. "These measures would help to ease the cost of living and spur household consumption expenditure," ACCCIM said in a statement. Earlier today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim made a highly anticipated announcement, which he described as an 'extraordinary tribute' to Malaysians. The measures include a one-off RM100 cash aid for all Malaysians aged 18 and above, the freezing of toll hikes on 10 highways, and continued Rahmah Madani sales. The government also announced that the RON95 petrol price will be reduced to RM1.99 per litre when targeted subsidies begin this September. In addition, Sept 15 has been declared a public holiday for Malaysia Day celebrations. The association said that the fuel price drop would benefit around 18 million car and motorcycle users, pending further details on the eligibility criteria. ACCCIM expressed hope that the targeted subsidy mechanism would be easy to implement to ensure a smooth rollout. Looking ahead, ACCCIM said it was looking forward to the tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) on July 31 and the 2026 Budget on Oct 10, with a focus on sustaining economic resilience and development continuity. The chamber urged the government to avoid new tax measures or policies that could further burden businesses, which are already grappling with rising costs.

No more jaguh kampung: 13MP must fix education at its root
No more jaguh kampung: 13MP must fix education at its root

New Straits Times

time3 hours ago

  • New Straits Times

No more jaguh kampung: 13MP must fix education at its root

WE know this story too well. For decades, learner drivers have been quietly told to pay a little extra — not just for driving school fees, but also for something more insidious. A token for the tester, so he would be more lenient. It was whispered as tradition, shrugged off as harmless. But it boils down to one thing: the lowering of standards. And it does not stop at driving tests. Stories abound of students scraping through with the barest of marks, or earning distinctions with percentages that would not meet the bar elsewhere. If this continues, we are not building a nation — we are building a myth. A jaguh kampung mindset: champions of the small pond, unprepared for the ocean. The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), running from 2026 to 2030, places education and talent development at the heart of national transformation. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim — himself a former education minister — has called for sweeping reforms. And rightly so. He knows, perhaps better than most, what must be done. We need: PRESCHOOL reform that nurtures curiosity, not just compliance; TEACHER training that attracts the committed and talented, not those seeking a stable government job; and, A NATIONAL embrace of STEM education as the foundation of future competitiveness. Because here's the truth: if we fail to invest in the early years and the educators who shape them, we are not just short-changing students — we're sabotaging our future workforce. The 13MP rightly elevates Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). For too long, TVET was treated as a fallback. But in a world hungry for skilled technicians, coders and creators, it's the new frontline of innovation. Politicians and educators must stop viewing TVET as a second-tier option. It's not. It's strategic. It's essential. The 13MP promises to tackle the urban-rural education gap. But promises must be matched with infrastructure. Digital access, teacher deployment and community engagement must be prioritised — not just in policy papers, but in budget allocations and boots-on-the-ground execution. In this respect, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil deserves credit for pushing Internet access in rural schools. But we need more than connectivity — we need continuity, quality and commitment. For far too long, we have treated education as a routine function — another line item in the national budget. But when we neglect its deeper purpose, we find ourselves adrift. As Ghanaian philosopher Ernest Agyemang Yeboah reminds us: "Education is the spine of every nation. The better the education, the better the nation." Education needs a reckoning. And the 13MP could be that moment — if we dare to treat education not as a segment, but as the soul of our national progress. Education must be the engine of economic and societal progress. No compromise on quality upskilling, lifelong learning and workforce readiness. This is where Kesuma — the Human Resources Ministry under Steven Sim — can play a transformative role in shaping Kesuma Bangsa: the young talent who will be the pride ofMalaysia. With talent development now a national priority, reorganising the National Education Master Plan to reflect current realities is not optional — it's imperative. Malaysia's education system has long been caught between legacy structures and modern demands. We have spent years tweaking curricula, debating exam formats and sparring over language policies. But the deeper question remains: are we preparing Malaysians to thrive — not just survive — in a world that's changing faster than our syllabi? The 13MP offers a rare window to answer that question with boldness. The time is now.

Nga: Anwar's fuel price cut proves promises kept
Nga: Anwar's fuel price cut proves promises kept

New Straits Times

time4 hours ago

  • New Straits Times

Nga: Anwar's fuel price cut proves promises kept

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's announcement of initiatives to ease the people's cost of living proves that the Madani government is fulfilling its promises, said Housing and Local Government (KPKT) Minister Nga Kor Ming. He said the reduction of the RON95 fuel price to RM1.99 per litre makes it one of the lowest in the world. "This demonstrates his concern in addressing cost-of-living issues despite financial constraints. On behalf of 22,000 KPKT families, I would like to thank the Prime Minister for the good news. Anwar said if he became Prime Minister, fuel prices would go down, and now, they will really go down. "Even with the current financial limitations, we've managed to reduce the fuel price, maintain toll rates, provide SARA (Sumbangan Asas Rahmah), and give various incentives," he said at a press conference after officiating the Asean Real Estate Conference (AREC) 2025 and the International Architecture, Interior Design and Building Exhibition (ARCHIDEX) 2025, here yesterday. Nga said the one-off RM100 aid under SARA for all Malaysians aged 18 and above also reflects the government's commitment to helping not only the B40 group but also the M40 group, which is often excluded from such aid. He said the RM2 billion allocation, benefiting 22 million Malaysians, is expected to have a multiplier effect on the economy, while the postponement of toll rate hikes serves as an anti-inflationary measure. Nga emphasised that the Madani government will continue its nation-building efforts and urged all Malaysians to unite in helping the country rise again and gain global respect. "Sometimes in the government, we are required to make some unpopular, extremely difficult decisions as leaders who care about the next generation. "I expect more good news in 2026 Budget, which is scheduled to be tabled in October, so stay tuned," he said. Yesterday, the Prime Minister announced several key initiatives as a gesture of appreciation from the Madani government to the people, including a one-off RM100 aid under the SARA programme, a freeze on toll hikes for 10 highways, and a targeted subsidy bringing the RON95 fuel price down to RM1.99 per litre. Meanwhile, Nga said the Madani government will continue with housing reforms through initiatives such as PR1MA, affordable housing, and low-cost homes. "You have to give us at least three terms to realise our vision. We're only halfway through the first term. If you give us a second and third term — 15 years — we will be able to deliver on our promises." - BERNAMA

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