Latest news with #RON95
The Sun
4 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Govt boosts cost of living aid with SARA and fuel subsidies
PUTRAJAYA: The government is ramping up initiatives to alleviate the rising cost of living, focusing on direct aid and clear public communication, according to Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. Key measures include the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) cash assistance of RM100 for Malaysians aged 18 and above, alongside targeted fuel subsidies for RON95 petrol. 'Over RM2 billion has been allocated for SARA, allowing purchases at 4,100 outlets nationwide. Unused funds by 2026 will be redirected to aid other needy groups,' Fahmi stated during the Communications Ministry's monthly assembly. Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching and secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa were also present. Addressing fuel subsidies, Fahmi clarified that citizens benefit more than perceived. 'Eligible Malaysians pay RM1.99 per litre, while non-citizens face market rates of RM2.50 to RM2.60. The real saving exceeds 50 sen per litre, not just six sen,' he explained. Fahmi also countered negative views on Malaysia's investment climate, highlighting operational factories from previously planned projects. He urged RTM and Bernama to collaborate with MIDA to ensure accurate investment data reaches the public. - Bernama
Malay Mail
5 hours ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Malaysia's subsidy blind spot: Why permanent resident spouses pay taxes but continue to miss out — Family Frontiers
JULY 30 — YAB Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Malaysian Cabinet, and Members of Parliament, This letter is in response to the announcement by Malaysian Prime Minister and Finance Minister, YAB Dauk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, on July 23, 2025 regarding his initiatives to lower the cost of living in Malaysia, outlining a series of measures aimed at alleviating the rising cost of living. We commend the government's commitment to supporting the rakyat and easing their burden, particularly through initiatives such as the one-off RM100 payment under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme, the expansion of Jualan Rahmah Madani, the decision to maintain existing toll rates, and the reduction in RON95 petrol prices. These efforts will certainly bring relief to many Malaysian families. However, we respectfully wish to highlight the exclusion of an often overlooked group: permanent residents (PRs) who are spouses of Malaysians. These individuals have quietly and consistently contributed to the nation's growth — economically, socially, and culturally — while raising their families and building their lives here. While Malaysians will only pay RM1.99 per litre for RON95 petrol, non-citizens, including PR spouses, have to pay RM2.50 per litre or more. This scenario is likely to unfold very soon: non-citizen parents of Malaysian children will bear higher fuel costs as they travel to drop off and pick up their Malaysian children from school, tuition classes, or hospital appointments, disproportionately impacting middle- and lower-income families where every RM counts. This also leads to higher out-of-pocket expenses for Malaysian binational families, which could be directed to the advancement of Malaysian children in these families. For example, reduced funds for extra-curricular activities, tuition, or even better-quality educational resources. The financial pressures faced by PRs are also set to increase with the recent 6 per cent Sales and Services Tax (SST) charged on non-citizens, effective 1 July, amplifying an already unequal system. While the SST revision impacts all consumers, there are a few exceptions where non-citizens are subjected to 6 per cent tax: Private higher education Private healthcare The misconception that non-citizens, including PR spouses, do not pay taxes is a myth. Spouses who reside in the country for more than 182 days are required to pay taxes on their total taxable income on the same basis as Malaysians. Many of them are husbands and wives of Malaysian citizens, parents of Malaysian children, and are long-term residents who have endured years of bureaucratic hurdles to secure legal status in the country they already call home. 'Non-citizen spouses of Malaysians are not 'foreigners' — they work and contribute to the country and the economy, they pay taxes, and they raise Malaysian children. This 'othering' of our spouses and designating them with the blanket term of 'foreigners' hurts us and our families,' says Low, a Malaysian spouse of a non-citizen. Another PR spouse said, 'I often find myself in a grey zone — being a foreigner, yet not fully acknowledged as Malaysian. Although I contribute the same amount in taxes as others in similar income brackets, the treatment I receive often feels disproportionate.' PR spouses in Malaysia often bear higher costs for essential services such as: Public transportation: Excluded from RapidKL's MY50 pass, senior citizen, and OKU discounts Driving licences: Costs are double those for Malaysian citizens Education: Incur non-citizen rates for both public and private educational institutions, regardless of education level 'Policies like these affect Malaysian binational families who have made this country their home, but are again and again marginalised and left out simply because their spouse is regarded as a 'foreigner' and not fully recognised as part of the social fabric of this nation that they are. What impacts my non-citizen husband impacts me, a Malaysian, and our Malaysian children,' says Low. This disparity is particularly stark when compared with our neighbour, Singapore, a country where many Malaysians hold permanent resident status. In Singapore, PRs benefit from substantial subsidies for essential services, including: Healthcare: Reduced rates for treatment in public hospitals and access to schemes like MediShield Life for financial assistance with medical expenses Education: Significantly reduced tuition fees at public educational institutions for PRs and their children Such comprehensive benefits for PRs in Singapore stand in sharp contrast to Malaysia's approach. For PR spouses, these disadvantages significantly complicate the already challenging task of raising Malaysian children and committing to a long-term future in Malaysia. Constantly navigating a system where one family member is treated differently, or excluded from benefits that others enjoy, can lead to significant stress for the entire family. This creates a serious risk of 'brain drain,' where valuable talent eventually departs for countries offering more comprehensive social security and benefits for long-term residents and possibly even their Malaysian families. It's time to recognise the commitment of permanent residents by extending essential subsidies to them. This crucial step will not only retain valuable talent, strengthen our economy and reduce brain drain, but also ease their integration into Malaysian society. The government must not overlook the significant contributions of PRs, especially non-citizen spouses who are raising Malaysian children. These individuals are integral to the Malaysian family, contributing not just socioeconomically, but also by nurturing the next generation of Malaysians who will ultimately give back to the nation.
Barnama
6 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
Govt Committed To Easing Living Costs
GENERAL PUTRAJAYA, July 30 (Bernama) -- The government will intensify efforts to address the rising cost of living through targeted initiatives and comprehensive public communications, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. Among the key measures already being implemented are the one-off Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) cash aid of RM100 for all Malaysians aged 18 and above, and the targeted fuel subsidy for RON95 petrol, he said. 'The government has allocated over RM2 billion for the SARA programme, enabling Malaysians to purchase essential goods at more than 4,100 participating outlets nationwide. If someone chooses not to use this benefit, they can still buy basic items and donate them to others. 'Should the amount remain unused by Jan 1, 2026, it will be returned to the Consolidated Fund to benefit other groups in need,' he said at the Communications Ministry's monthly assembly here today, which was also attended by Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching and secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa. Also present were the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj. On the targeted RON95 fuel subsidy, Fahmi clarified that the benefit to Malaysian citizens is more significant than perceived. 'Qualified Malaysian citizens will pay around RM1.99 per litre, while non-citizens will pay the (unsubsidised) market price of RM2.50 to RM2.60. So, the actual benefit isn't just six sen, it's more than 50 sen per litre,' he said. Fahmi also refuted negative perceptions about Malaysia's investment performance, stressing that several major investment projects previously in the planning phase have now materialised, with factories already operational. In light of this, he called on Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) and Bernama to collaborate closely with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) to obtain verified data and ensure that accurate information on investment benefits is conveyed to the public.
Focus Malaysia
2 days ago
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
PMX comes under fire for mocking rabble-rouser Malaysians 'to go buy petrol in Singapore'
FORMER UMNO supreme council member Isham Jalil has led a chorus of detractors to troll Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's out of the box notion that detractors who complained about high petrol prices in Malaysia should try to re-fuel in Singapore or for that matter even Thailand and Indonesia. For context, PMX who is also the Finance Minister had snubbed opposition leaders at Saturday's (July 26) Turun Anwar rally who criticised the proposed six sen RON95 price reduction to RM1.99/litre as being 'chicken feed' given such cut has to take into account implications to the nation's financial stability. 'First and foremost, Singapore has no oil companies. There are no oil wells either. That's why the price is expensive,' Isham who was expelled from UMNO on Dec 7, 2023 for opposing the party's collaborations with DAP in elections schooled PMX on his Facebook page. 'Secondly, while the petrol price in Singapore is four or five times that of our RON95, their per capita earnings is five to six times ours. If we adjust the per capita earnings with purchasing power parity, it is still three times higher than Malaysia. 'As their purchasing power is much higher than ours, it is most insensible of you to lash out at Malaysians by challenging them to buy petrol in Singapore.' The once special officer to incarcerated former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak went on to chide PMX by reminding him that he was the one who previously claimed that oil companies in Malaysia made billions, hence he promised to further lower petrol prices in Malaysia upon assuming the premiership. 'But after 20 years of making promises, oil price only dropped by 6 sen/litre. Podah (literally, 'damn').' Elsewhere, Bersatu information chief Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz warned Malaysians against being overly elated with the RM1.99/litre price tag that was unveiled by PMX as part of his 'extraordinary tribute to Malaysians' package last week. 'Since when has the price of petrol come down? What was announced has not even been implemented yet,' he penned on his Facebook. This is a valid point given even if the RM1.99/litre price tag materialises, not all Malaysians might get to enjoy the six sen/litre discount on grounds that this is part of the fuel subsidy rationalisation exercise that ultimately entails a free float of RON95 (well-to-do motorists may end up having to pay RM2.50-RM2.60/litre). 'With the current fall in world crude oil prices, the fall in the value of the greenback and by using the Rafizi formula, Anwar should have been able to lower the price of RON95 petrol and diesel to RM1.70/litre now instead of end-September,' opined the former press secretary to then communications and multimedia minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa. 'It seems the Turun Anwar rally has had a huge impact on the brains and emotions of PMX, the Madanons, Walanons and most strangely, the UMDAP gang. In fact, the UMDAP gang has been experiencing postpartum blues since last Saturday.' – July 29, 2025
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Multitude of positive factors entrench Malaysia's economy on growth trajectory
KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) Governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour has expressed optimism that Malaysia's economy remains on a strong growth trajectory due to multiple factors, such as resilient domestic demand and encouraging exports of electrical and electronic (E&E) products, despite headwinds from impending tariffs. The central bank governor said today that among the combination of positive factors supporting the economy are the frontloading of exports in the first six months, robust tourism activity that could raise Malaysia's export prospects, low unemployment and rising wages. Moreover, he highlighted that about 85 per cent of Malaysia's exports go to markets other than the United States (US). While uncertainties remain, particularly surrounding the final shape and scale of the US tariffs, BNM's revised growth forecast of 4.0 per cent to 4.8 per cent has taken into account multiple scenarios, including potential trade disruptions. 'We have accounted for a range of tariff scenarios, including both favourable and less unfavourable trade negotiations outcomes as well as pro-growth policies in major economies. 'A diversified export structure will help contain the direct effect from the US, as around 85 per cent of exports are to non-US markets, and no single market accounts for more than 15 per cent of Malaysia's exports,' he told Bernama in an exclusive interview. Abdul Rasheed noted that Malaysia's exports are spread across a wide range of products, consisting of E&E (40 per cent), non-E&E manufacturing goods (46 per cent) and commodities (14 per cent). He said almost half of the demand for Malaysian exports comes from Advanced Asia (19.4 per cent) and ASEAN countries (29 per cent). Domestically, Abdul Rasheed highlighted that domestic demand drives more than 90 per cent of Malaysia's economic growth. 'Consumption is still resilient despite the tariff announcement, it's still resilient because income is still growing. Wages are still on an increasing trend, he said. In terms of unemployment, Abdul Rashee said that the rate is at three per cent and is lower than before the Covid-19 pandemic. 'People have jobs. These are things that will support the consumption,' he said, adding that the government's ongoing policy support measures remain in place and support the growth. On July 23, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced a cost-of-living relief package, which includes a one-off RM100 SARA cash aid, a reduction in the RON95 fuel price, toll hike postponements, and an expanded Rahmah Madani Sales allocation. 'This will also provide some kind of spending from the rakyat and drive our domestic consumption,' he added. Turning to investments, Abdul Rasheed said Malaysia recorded RM378 billion in approved investments last year, with over half coming from domestic sources. He said these are tied to long-term national development plans and are expected to sustain momentum through this year and into 2026. In terms of exports, which are likely to be moderate in the second half of 2025 (2H 2025) as tariffs take effect and global growth slows, BNM expects E&E exports to continue supporting growth. Abdul Rasheed said this is underpinned by resilient demand for E&E and emerging opportunities in the artificial intelligence-related segment. 'So this is where I think the question comes on tariffs. Exports will definitely be affected; everything in the world will be affected. However, if you look at global trade numbers, they are still growing. 'Despite the challenging global environment, exports remained supportive of growth in 1H 2025, helped by robust growth in E&E exports.' 'Frontloading activities ahead of anticipated tariff increase contributed to stronger export performance in the second quarter of 2025, although this has tapered down particularly in June,' he said. Abdul Rasheed highlighted that inbound tourism was also expected to provide support for exports in 2H 2025, driven by higher flight connectivity, visa exemptions and promotional activities leading to Visit Malaysia 2026. He said international visitor arrivals into Malaysia were 16.9 million from January to May 2025, which is 20 per cent higher than the same period in 2024.
