JAKARTA - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced new measures on Wednesday to address increasing public unrest over rising cost of living. Anwar Ibrahim poured out a cash direct assistance (BLT) program and promises to reduce fuel prices.
His remarks in the television broadcast come ahead of the protests planned to be held in Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur, on Saturday this weekend. It is estimated that demonstrations urging Anwar to resign will be attended by more than 10 thousandrang with the command of opposition parties.
Demonstration aims to force Anwar to step down due to price increases and failure to fulfill promised reforms.
The Anwar administration has taken a number of steps to increase revenue and productivity this year, including an increase in the minimum wage, an increase in electricity rates for large electricity users, and an expansion of sales and service taxes.
Anwar said the steps were mainly aimed at large companies and rich people.
But critics voiced concerns that higher costs would eventually be borne by consumers, including low- and middle-income people.
On Wednesday, July 23, Anwar said all Malaysians over 18 years of age will receive 100 ringgit ($23.67/Rp385 thousand) in the form of cash assistance once which will be disbursed starting August 31.
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"The government will spend a total of 15 billion ringgit ($3.55 billion) in cash assistance by 2025, up from 13 billion ringgit which was originally allocated for that year," he said.
"I acknowledge there have been complaints and accept that the cost of living remains a challenge that must be addressed, although we have announced various steps so far," Anwar said.
Anwar said the government would also announce the details of the long-awaited plans to adjust the comprehensive subsidy to RON95 transport fuel which was widely used before the end of September.
"After subsidy changes are implemented, the price of fuel at the Malaysian gas station will drop to 1.99 ringgit per liter, compared to the current price of 2.05 ringgit," said Anwar.
However, foreign nationals must pay non-subsidized fuel market prices.
Anwar did not provide details on how the move would be enforced.
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