PETALING JAYA: The slew of measures announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will help to ease the cost of living and spur household consumption expenditure, says the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM).
"ACCCIM welcomes the Prime Minister's announcement of measures to show its appreciation to rakyat, including one-off cash aid of RM100 for all Malaysians aged 18 and above under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) aid initiative, Rahmah madani sales and the freezing of toll hikes.
"Malaysians will enjoy a lower RON95 petrol price of RM1.99 per litre once the targeted subsidies come into effect in September," it said in a statement on Wednesday (July 23).
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Pending the detailed announcement of the fuel subsidy rationalisation mechanism in terms of eligible criteria, it said the reduction in price of RON95 petrol by 6sen per litre would benefit around 18 million car and motorcycle users.
ACCCIM also said it hoped the new targeted subsidies would be implemented smoothly.
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On the special holiday on Sept 15 in appreciation of Hari Malaysia celebration on Sept 16, ACCCIM said this would encourage local travel over the long weekend break but this could lead to additional labour costs, which would add to the overall cost of doing business.
ACCCIM also said it was looking forward to the tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) on July 31 as well as Budget 2026 later, adding that the government's five-year blueprint and spending plan would ensure the continuity of national development, prioritise sustainable economic resilience and high-quality investment.
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ACCCIM also said it hoped that there would be no tax measures or policies introduced under Budget 2026, that would further burden businesses already reeling from cost increases.
"Malaysia must continue to maintain pro-investment and business-friendly policies to attract and retain both domestic and foreign investments, fostering economic growth," it added.
