Kuala lumpur: The announcement of appreciation for Malaysians by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is an immediate effort to ease the cost-of-living burden, thus demonstrating the unity government's commitment to uphold the people's trust and welfare, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fadillah, who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, remarked that the announcement illustrates that reforms can provide justice and relief to the majority of the people without being burdensome. He emphasized the importance of unity and appreciation for contributions to the country's development, highlighting that MADANI Malaysia is more than just a slogan but a national movement.
Fadillah noted that the prime minister has appropriately recognized all Malaysians as the pillars of the country's stability, urging all parties to focus on comprehensive reforms for future generations. He stated that the prime minister's firm policies and clear direction have instilled confidence in the fiscal reforms being on track, supported by the people's mainstay.
The strengthening of the Gross Domestic Product in the first quarter of 2025, reaching 4.4%, and a projected 4.5% for the second quarter, along with climbing 11 steps to the 23rd position in the Global Resilience Index 2025, and the 5% strengthening of the ringgit, demonstrate that the success achieved is not merely numerical. These developments are paving the way for investments, job opportunities, and social policies targeting the welfare of the people.
Fadillah further explained that the measures announced underscore the effectiveness of MADANI policies in ensuring the people's welfare. As a native of Sarawak, he shared his insights on the comprehensive nature of these policies, including the increase in the floor price of paddy, incentives for rubber, and grassroots programmes like Sejati MADANI, which cater to the needs of rural communities.
He highlighted the expansion of the MADANI Foster Village programme to 200 villages and the target to adopt 1,000 schools under the MADANI Adopted School initiative by the end of the year, which will benefit all states. Additionally, the MADANI Rahmah Sale aims to reach 600 state assembly constituencies nationwide.
Fadillah expressed appreciation for the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation's bold restructuring of energy subsidies and electricity tariffs, resulting in 85% of the people paying up to 14% lower electricity bills starting this month. The RON95 targeted subsidy, reducing the price to RM1.99 per litre, will result in savings being redirected to Malaysians rather than foreigners.
As the minister overseeing affairs in Sabah and Sarawak, Fadillah welcomed the announcement of an additional public holiday on September 15 in conjunction with the Malaysia Day celebration. He called for unity in upholding the MADANI agenda, ensuring that all Malaysians, from villages to cities and the Peninsula to Borneo, enjoy progress fairly and equitably.