Latest news with #SumbanganAsasRahmah
The Star
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Many seeking a headstart
Keep things running: A motorist filling his car tank with subsidised RON95 fuel in this file pic. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star RON95 subsidy eligibility checks could go a long way, say motorists PETALING JAYA: With the RON95 fuel subsidy rationalisation expected mid-year, Malaysians say there should be an avenue to check their eligibility beforehand. Writer John Seng, 34, said having a platform to check will help consumers plan their expenses better. 'If we are not eligible for the subsidy, it would be good if we could find out earlier so that we can do the necessary budgeting of our finances. 'This will help us adjust our family's overall monthly expenditures,' said the father of two. Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan told the Dewan Rakyat in November last year that the RON95 subsidy rationalisation, which is expected to be implemented in the middle of this year, would not impact 85% of Malaysians. He also said the MyKad will likely be adopted as the main reference point in allocating these targeted subsidies. On Tuesday, Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib said the government will take into account the economic situation in its decision on the RON95 targeted subsidy. A self-employed individual, who wanted to be known as Raj, suggested having a website to check a person's eligibility for the subsidy. 'If the public know of their eligibility earlier, they can prepare accordingly.' 'Perhaps a similar system can be introduced, such as the one used under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah aid, where recipients can check their eligibility using their identification card number,' said Raj, 66. Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) chief executive officer Dr Saravanan Thambirajah suggested that the government establish a system allowing the public to verify their eligibility for the petrol subsidy prior to its implementation date. 'Transparency is essential, especially for those in the M40 segment, to financially plan and adjust their spending in anticipation of possible changes in fuel expenditures,' he said. Although the government has given an assurance that 85% of the population would not be affected, he said the government should closely monitor the Consumer Price Index (CPI). 'They must swiftly intervene if there are signs of unjustified inflation or profiteering,' he said. Saravanan said any subsidy rationalisation must be accompanied by clear communication, transparency in eligibility criteria, and easy access to verification tools. Gabungan E-hailing Malaysian (GEM) chief activist Jose Rizal urged e-hailing service providers to plan ahead of the RON95 subsidy rationalisation. 'These platforms should review the fare structure for e-hailing drivers to match current operational expenses, such as introducing dynamic pricing rates and taking into account fuel prices and unexpected factors,' he said when contacted. He said the platforms should introduce petrol rebate initiatives or special incentives for e-hailing drivers. 'GEM calls for e-hailing drivers to be included as part of the targeted subsidies scheme or at least for a special scheme for gig workers. 'We also urge platform providers and the government to engage with e-hailing drivers to draft a more equal, sustainable and responsive policy in line with the economic situation,' he said, adding that GEM has yet to be engaged in this matter. He proposed that e-hailing service providers accelerate the transition to electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles by implementing facility schemes for drivers.
New Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Uplifting Living Standards in Malaysia: A Multifaceted Approach Under Anwar Ibrahim's Government
IN Malaysia today, under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's leadership, something intriguing is unfolding. The government is attempting a high-wire act: balancing the urgent need to lift living standards amid rising costs and global economic turbulence, while laying down the scaffolding for a more resilient, inclusive economy. And it's doing this not with flashy stimulus checks or slogans, but through a blend of fiscal realism and strategic reform. If you zoom in on the 2025 Budget, you'll notice a quiet but significant pivot in how Malaysia supports its people. The government has allocated RM13 billion - the largest direct cash aid allocation in national history - to programmes like Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA). These are not mere handouts; they're micro-targeted relief channels reaching nine million citizens, or about 60 per cent of the adult population. The idea is simple: soften the blows of inflation, especially on food and fuel, and inject purchasing power into the base of the economy. At the same time, the minimum wage has been raised to RM1,700 per month (effective February 2025), signaling that labor dignity still matters in this algorithmic age. But Anwar's team knows that Band-Aids won't fix structural wounds. Rather than launching a headline-grabbing stimulus package, the administration is pushing forward with what could be described as an "invisible stimulus" - a layered reform agenda that targets fuel subsidies, tax structures, and long-term investments. Malaysia is now rolling back blanketsubsidies for RON95 petrol and diesel, replacing them with targeted assistance. It's politically risky - no one likes to pay more at the pump - but it's the kind of reform that says: the days of fiscal leakage are over. Meanwhile, high- income earners are now subject to a two per cent tax on dividend income above RM100,000, and the Sales and Services Tax has been expanded to new sectors. These are moves aimed at rebuilding state revenue without triggering austerity. The government is also playing the long game. Billions are being committed to infrastructure, education, and health, not just as social investments, but as tools for growth. A prime example is the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, engineered to attract foreign investors and create a new class of skilled jobs. Meanwhile, RM40 billion in credit facilities and loan guarantees are being mobilised to support SMEs, a critical step to ensure the middle class and entrepreneurial base aren't left behind in a two-speed economy. Global institutions are taking note. In its April 2025 Malaysia Economic Monitor, the World Bank projects GDP growth at 3.9 per cent for 2025, slightly lower than earlier estimates due to global economic headwinds. But more importantly, it urges Malaysia to focus on inclusive growth through higher social spending, education, and place-sensitive policies that address regional inequality. Similarly, the IMF's 2025 Article IV Consultation Report pegs growth at 4.1 per cent and calls for Malaysia to take advantage of improved macroeconomic conditions to rebuild buffers, enhance policy credibility, and accelerate structural reforms. Both institutions commend Malaysia's fiscal strategy while sounding a common theme: now is not the time to blink. Of course, none of this will be easy. Anwar's coalition government walks a political tightrope, and subsidy rationalisation is a dangerous game in a populist age. The cost of miscommunication or delay could be steep. But if Malaysia can hold this course if it canmanage the optics while maintaining the discipline - it could emerge not just as a recovering economy, but as a case study in how a middle-income country transitions through turbulence with its dignity, cohesion, and competitiveness intact. In a world addicted to short-term fixes, Malaysia is attempting something harder: think long-term, act incrementally, and bet on its own maturity. In this era of geopolitical fragmentation and economic anxiety, that's not just commendable—it's strategic. *The writer is an international relations analyst and economic commentator. A former senior researcher at the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research, he has written extensively for numerous regional outlets. Currently he is a senior consultant with Global Asia Consulting and an adjunct lecturer at Universiti Teknologi Petronas.
The Star
11-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
More comprehensive policies to empower mothers
THE government's Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme has been a big help for single mother Fadila M. to shop for her family's essential needs. However, the mother of three wishes that more fresh food items can be included. 'It would really help as food prices have gone up. It's getting challenging to prepare nutritious meals that will support my children's growth and health,' says the factory worker from Kulim, Kedah. Others in similar situations echo her concerns and are calling for practical, targeted government support. For another single mother who wants to be known only as 'Tan', special discount cards issued by the government for single mothers, for example, would be beneficial for the group. 'Discount cards will be a good choice' to alleviate single mothers' burden, she says. 'However, while it is practical, I do not think its use will be applicable in shops' due to increasing prices. There may be a limited choice of shop for the card's use.' The freelance tutor who resides in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, says such a facility would be a boon for single mothers who spend a hefty sum on groceries. 'I spend about RM2,000 a month on food for my two children. Chicken is the most expensive item for us. 'The same goes for perishables like vegetables, which are now expensive too. As of now, I can only work harder to save more money for them.' The idea of government-issued grocery aid for single mothers is also supported by Nurfarahain Mat Saman, a 34-year-old parcel delivery service driver and mother of two. Nurfarahain says the government could introduce grocery discount cards for low- to middle-income families, as well as food vouchers for infant formula, cereals, vegetables and protein items, based on poverty-line criteria. 'At the same time, they can offer targeted subsidies on baby or children's products to help cover some of the costs of registered formula milk and children's nutritional supplements.' She is thankful that despite her busy schedule and the rising food prices, she has never had to compromise on nutritious meals for her children. 'I always prioritise their dietary needs and, if necessary, reallocate other budget items to ensure they receive adequate nutrition.' On her monthly spending, Nurfarahain says she noticed prices climbing in early 2023; the RM100 that once filled her basket now barely covers two or three items. 'To manage these inflationary pressures, I've switched to store own-brand products, shopped at morning markets for seasonal fruit instead of imported varieties, and timed my bulk purchases to coincide with promotional periods. 'By making these substitutions and planning around sales, I keep my monthly spend on track while still covering all the essentials.' Long-term solutions Other than aid programmes, the government also needs to look at Malaysia's low wage situation, says visiting expert at Universiti Malaya's Social Wellbeing Research Centre, social security economist Dr Amjad Rabi. 'I think Malaysia's minimum wage policy has probably been one of the most successful policies in reducing poverty in the country. However, it should it should be linked to inflation so that there will be automatic adjustments. 'And one of the best ways to do it is just to maintain it at two-thirds of the median wage. 'This would ensure wages keep pace with living costs, improve income stability, reduce reliance on unhealthy food options, and help alleviate food insecurity, benefiting both urban and rural populations,' Amjad told a Suhakam Right to Food forum recently. Another is expanding and strengthening the country's school feeding programme. 'Malaysia's school feeding programmes are limited in coverage and quality. Expanding their access to all primary and secondary students, especially in low-income areas, would improve nutrition and economic security for vulnerable households. 'You want the children to have the cognitive ability when they go to school to sit and learn. 'So it's important to think of this instrument,' he says, adding that international evidence shows that well-designed school feeding programmes lead to better education, employment outcomes and public health. Unicef Malaysia nutrition specialist Joey Eng says it is important for the government to come up with a comprehensive policy that will prioritise healthy food, not only food security, such as one covering food and nutrition security. 'We need to ensure that healthy food is available, accessible and affordable for all.' It is also important to enhance food access through targeted intervention, Eng, who was also a speaker at the forum, stresses. 'There is no one size fits all intervention. Community-based solutions like nutrition, education and behaviour change campaigns are also important. 'At the same time, we also need economic empowerment programmes to help women, caregivers and persons with disability gain enough financial stability to secure food,' she adds. Ultimately, nutritious food is the foundation of a thriving and sustainable society, Eng says. 'How can a child focus in school with empty stomach? 'How can a mother work if she skip meals? 'How can a person with disability reach his or her full potential without proper nutrition? 'Healthy food is a basic right, not a privilege.' With additional reporting by HARIATI AZIZAN.
New Straits Times
06-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
MOF warns public of fake Sara assistance link on WhatsApp
PUTRAJAYA: The public is advised to exercise caution regarding messages involving the 2025 Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) assistance circulating on WhatsApp. The Finance Ministry (MOF) said the link titled 'Bantuan Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) 2025 RM200' is fake. "Be careful and do not easily fall for such fake messages on social media. "Follow the MOF official channel and ensure that links are legitimate and accurate," it said in a post on its social media page. From January to March this year, Sara assistance of RM100 per month was credited to the recipients' MyKad. Beginning April 1, the amount was increased to RM200 per month, to be used for purchasing food, beverages, medicine, school supplies, and personal hygiene items at over 1,600 registered shops and supermarkets nationwide. – Bernama
Borneo Post
06-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Ministry of Finance warns public of fake SARA assistance link on WhatsApp
File photo for illustration purposes PUTRAJAYA (May 6): The public is advised to exercise caution regarding messages involving the 2025 Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) assistance circulating on WhatsApp. The Ministry of Finance (MOF) said the link titled 'Bantuan Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) 2025 RM200′ is fake. 'Be careful and do not easily fall for such fake messages on social media. 'Follow the MOF official channel and ensure that links are legitimate and accurate,' it said in a post on its social media page. From January to March this year, SARA assistance of RM100 per month was credited to the recipients' MyKad. Beginning April 1, the amount was increased to RM200 per month, to be used for purchasing food, beverages, medicine, school supplies, and personal hygiene items at over 1,600 registered shops and supermarkets nationwide. – Bernama fake message lead scam Sumbangan Asas Rahmah
