JELEBU: In light of higher living costs driven by global geopolitical tensions, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says he is considering increasing allocations for the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme in Budget 2027, which is due to be tabled in October.
The Prime Minister said the government had allocated RM16bil under the programme but acknowledged that more needed to be done as many Malaysians continued to struggle with rising prices.
“We are helping the people. They ask me if I am satisfied. I am not satisfied because I know many people are still facing hardship.
“Prices are still rising. That is why, for this (year’s) Budget, God willing, I will review it.
“If the situation remains peaceful and the economy continues to perform well, I will increase the allocation further,” he said during his speech in Chennah, here, when campaigning for DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke on Wednesday (July 29).
Anwar said Malaysia remained one of the most peaceful countries in the region despite its multi-ethnic composition, and that stability had helped attract strong investment, including into Negri Sembilan.
He said external factors beyond the government’s control had contributed to the higher cost of living, particularly conflicts in the Middle East.
“When war broke out in the Middle East, when Iran was attacked by Israel and the United States, and Iran retaliated, the Strait of Hormuz was affected.
“What was the impact? Global oil prices increased.
“When I tabled last year’s Budget, oil was about US$70 a barrel. Now it has risen to around US$90,” he said.
Anwar said Malaysia also imported phosphate fertiliser for the agriculture sector, including for Felda areas, and disruptions to shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz had pushed up freight charges, insurance costs and overall transportation expenses.
“As a result, the prices of goods also increased,” he said.
Despite global price pressures, Anwar said Malaysia continued to maintain among the world’s lowest RON95 petrol prices.
“People say, ‘Anwar said fuel prices have gone down but which oil?’. I ask them, which fuel are you using? Cooking oil?
“Compare it with other countries. Malaysia still has among the cheapest fuel prices in the world,” he said.
