KUALA LUMPUR — The government has unveiled a series of measures to ease the rising cost of living caused by global supply disruptions, targeting small traders, paddy farmers, and low-income households.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the initiatives include reducing commercial rental rates in government-owned premises, providing advance subsidies under the Special Ploughing Incentive for paddy farmers, and expanding the Jualan Rahmah Madani affordable food programme.
“Last week before Friday prayers, I visited stalls and eateries in Rawang. And that lady, although polite, expressed her concerns about facing rising prices, even if slightly. But a little increase each week, over four weeks, certainly accumulates and makes running her business difficult,” he said during a press conference today.
He said the concerns raised by small traders and farmers were discussed at the National Economic Action Council meeting.
“Even though it is not easy, for example RON95, despite the assistance and diesel subsidies, it has caused the government to bear an additional RM5 billion every month. Nevertheless, we must face these challenges and do our utmost to lighten the burden on the community, especially the lower-income and vulnerable groups,” he added.
The Prime Minister noted that northern Kedah has experienced an unusually long dry season, affecting farmers and paddy growers. “We have directed cloud seeding operations to be increased by the Air Force, and I also requested the Fire and Rescue Department, which has more limited capabilities, to continue their activities over the past few days.”
To support paddy farmers, the government had previously raised the Special Ploughing Incentive from RM160 to RM300 per hectare, announced by Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Muhammad Sabu on April 14, to offset rising diesel costs.
Addressing small traders’ concerns, Anwar said rental reductions would take effect immediately.
“I believe the first step we must take is to reduce rental rates. Most of these shops are owned by government-linked companies or agencies such as MARA and UDA. Starting this month, they will reduce rental rates across all their business premises, and announcements will be made by district in the near future,” he addded.
He also urged state governments and local authorities to follow suit. “I wish to thank the Menteri Besar of Selangor, Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, for responding positively and announcing the imminent reduction of rental rates for all commercial premises, especially small traders, hawkers and food stalls. I urge other states to act swiftly from this month to ease the pressure on these businesses.”
The Prime Minister highlighted the expansion of the Jualan Rahmah Madani programme, which has successfully reduced prices by up to 30% compared to the market.
“Last year, the government conducted more than 25,000 Rahmah sales programmes across all state constituencies. For 2026, we have announced 30,000 Jualan Rahmah events, to be held weekly and across urban and selected rural areas,” he said.
He emphasised that small traders would be prioritised in these programmes. “We do not want this to become a platform solely for large companies. The aim is to ensure that small traders benefit by selling their goods at lower prices.”
Anwar acknowledged that these measures would not solve all problems, but expressed hope that they would provide relief.
“We will continue reviewing and exploring new initiatives every week, during our weekly sessions and Cabinet meetings on Wednesdays, to further ease the burden on the people.” - May 5, 2026
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