Thanks PM, but people want something more concrete - Chow
Published: Jul 23, 2025 10:16 PM
Updated: 12:17 AM
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s newly announced RM100 handout is highly appreciated, said Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, but the people should be given more assistance.
According to the state government’s news portal Buletin Mutiara, he urged the federal government to implement more sustainable long-term policies to support the rakyat, despite operating under tight fiscal constraints.
“Despite the tight financial situation, this incentive, which will cost the government billions, is still appreciated.
“However, I believe the people are looking forward to more comprehensive forms of assistance, such as initiatives that ease the cost of doing business, or through infrastructure projects that create jobs and spur growth,” he reportedly told journalists at Parliament today.
Chow also added that Anwar should be given more time to mitigate ongoing economic pressures, including the potential impact of US tariffs on Malaysian exports.
“Anwar should be given a free hand to mediate and mitigate the current situation. He deserves more time to address these concerns in a meaningful way,” he said.
Earlier today, Anwar announced his widely hyped “extraordinary tribute” to all Malaysians, including a one-off RM100 handout under the Rahmah Necessities Aid (Sara) scheme, for individuals aged 18 and above to purchase groceries and basic necessities.
The aid will be disbursed via MyKad and is valid from Aug 31 to Dec 31. It can be claimed through over 4,100 participating supermarkets and stores nationwide.
According to Anwar, the “historical” initiative would incur an additional RM2 billion in government expenditure for this year, thus increasing its allocation for Sara from RM13 billion to RM15 billion.
Any unclaimed amount from the allocation would be transferred to other initiatives for helping the poor next year, the prime minister added.
Other initiatives announced by Anwar today include a reduction in RON95 petrol prices by September, an additional public holiday on Sept 15, and toll prices at 10 highways being maintained at the government’s expense.
Penang is at the epicenter of one of the fastest industrial growth periods in Malaysia's history.
ReplyDeleteIn the current geo-political and geo-economic climate , manufacturers of all stripes are looking at Penang.
Anwar has a very important role to balance relations with China - which most Malaysians are happy to pursue, with continuing strong relations with the USA, which most Malaysians overwhelmingly abhor.
One of the key economic risks is Malaysia switches to downgrading it's US links for emotional , religious reasons - that will not have a good ending for Malaysia's economy.