Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reminded all parties not to belittle the RM100 additional cash aid for Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said that while the amount may seem small to high-income earners, it means a lot to rural communities and low-income groups.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar addressed critics who argue that RM100 is insignificant by highlighting the disparity in income levels. He pointed out that individuals earning RM40,000 or RM20,000 a month may not value the cash aid, but for those in rural areas, the support is substantial. He shared this perspective during the Finance Ministry's assembly.

The Prime Minister elaborated that, for a poor household comprising two adult children and a married couple, the cash assistance could amount to RM400. When combined with the existing Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah, the total could rise to RM700. Anwar emphasized that these efforts should not be trivialized, as the government has increased the allocation from RM13 billion to RM15 billion to support these initiatives.

Furthermore, Anwar addressed remarks from certain quarters questioning the rationale behind fuel subsidy rationalization. He responded to the opposition leader, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, who questioned the burden on foreigners, by clarifying that Malaysia is not mistreating them but merely withdrawing subsidies. Anwar noted that fuel prices in neighboring countries like Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia are higher than RM2.50, justifying the move to remove subsidies for foreigners.

The recent announcement by the Prime Minister included several key initiatives, such as a one-off RM100 payment under the SARA programme, a postponement of toll rate hikes for 10 highways, and a reduced RON95 fuel price of RM1.99 per litre, as part of the MADANI Government's gesture of appreciation to the people.