All eyes on PM for big news
While its content remains under tight wraps, The Star spoke to several Malaysians who shared their expectations and hopes.
For Wazlina Wahab, 49, the prospect of a supportive housing policy tops the list.
'As a property consultant, I'm hoping for good news for the housing sector, especially for first-time buyers.
'Many are interested but can't afford the deposit or are afraid of high long-term financial commitments.
'If there's support such as downpayment assistance, stamp duty exemptions or more accessible loan schemes, that would make a real difference, not just for buyers but for us consultants, too,' she said.
She also voiced the need for government support for her profession.
'We're in a competitive digital age. Marketing support, digital training and even social protection schemes for real estate agents could encourage us to keep pushing forward,' she added.
Gig worker Diyana Ibrahim, 40, echoed similar sentiments of hope.
'I'm hoping for greater security, stability and fairness, while still preserving the flexibility that makes gig work appealing,' she said.
She added that access to Employees Provident Fund, PERKESO, health insurance and fair wage protections are long overdue.
'We deserve to earn at least minimum wage after deducting platform commissions and costs like petrol and mobile data.
'I'd also like to see us recognised under unions or associations, and given access to government-funded training to help us move into higher-paying or more stable jobs,' she said.
Diyana also emphasised the need for more transparent practices across gig platforms, saying that workers deserve access to accurate data that reflects their efforts and helps them plan for the future.
'If platforms are made to share data, we can track our income, hours and performance – and feel more in control of our future,' she added.
Yesterday, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said Anwar is scheduled to make an announcement at 10.30am today, describing it as a 'major announcement' as an extraordinary gesture of appreciation for Malaysians.
Meanwhile, many netizens hoped the economic measures would include a shorter work week.
'Hopefully, the announcement will be that there will be a four-day work week,' said some of them, reported Star Media Group's (SMG) Malay language portal mStar.
Others hoped that Sara and MyKasih benefits would also be increased.
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