PM's fuel cut and RM100 aid hailed as lifeline by e-hailing drivers, consumers

New Straits Times

23-07-2025

KOTA BARU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's move to cut fuel prices and offer a one-off RM100 cash aid has been hailed as a lifeline by e-hailing drivers in Kelantan and consumer advocates, who say it brings much-needed relief amid mounting living costs.
Full-time drivers Daniel, 27, Arif, 24, and Mustakim, 21, said every sen counts. "The RM100 may seem small to some, but for us, it goes a long way. It is a much needed boost that helps us keep going," Daniel told NST.
Meanwhile, the Consumers Association of Kedah (Cake) praised the decision to reduce the price of subsidised RON95 petrol from RM2.05 to RM1.99 per litre under the new targeted subsidy mechanism.
Its president, Yusrizal Yusoff, said the public now awaits clarity on who qualifies.
"Those left out of the scheme may end up bearing market prices. For those who qualify, this is a vital lifeline — fuel is a basic necessity," he said.
Daniel, a full-time e-hailing driver, said fuel is one of his biggest operational costs, alongside expenses for vehicle maintenance.
Meanwhile, Arif said, "We hope this is just the beginning, and that more initiatives to support the rakyat, especially those in the gig economy, will follow."
Mustakim, the youngest of three siblings, said he would use the RM100 to buy daily necessities for his home. "I'll get groceries for my mother's kitchen — especially sugar, milk, and vegetables," he said.
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Among the initiatives are all Malaysians aged 18 and above will receive a one-off RM100 credit via their MyKad under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme and under a new targeted fuel subsidy mechanism, Malaysians will enjoy RON95 petrol at RM1.99 per litre.
This is expected to benefit around 18 million drivers and riders, including youth and gig workers.
Meanwhile, consumer activist Yusrizal said the association welcomed the government's announcement, describing it as a move that puts money back into the people's wallets through fuel savings.
However, he urged the government to take a careful and inclusive approach when finalising the subsidy mechanism, warning that any missteps could trigger a domino effect that might unintentionally impact other sectors of the economy.
The full details of the new subsidy mechanism are expected to be announced by the end of September. The initiatives are projected to benefit around 18 million vehicle users, including youths and gig economy workers.
Commenting on the RM100 aid under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme which will be distributed to all adult Malaysians from Aug 31 to Dec 31, Yusrizal said it would provide immediate relief, particularly for the low and middle income groups.
He advised recipients to use the aid wisely.
"This one-off aid can at least help them purchase essential items. For many, this might feel like a routine form of assistance because they have received similar handouts before. But even so, it helps, even if only a little," he said.
Yusrizal also welcomed the restructuring in electricity tariffs, which is expected to benefit 85 per cent of consumers starting this month.
"The reduction is based on a restructuring of the tariff calculation. While it will lower the cost of living for most, those with high electricity usage may still see an increase due to certain unavoidable cost components.
"Nonetheless, we welcome the move as a step towards easing the financial burden on the rakyat," he said.