KUALA LUMPUR — “In what part of the world are foreigners treated the same as citizens?” Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim asked today, hitting back at criticism over the government’s decision not to extend fuel subsidies to non-citizens.
Anwar, who is also finance minister, said subsidies are meant solely for Malaysians, who contribute to the country through taxes and bear the responsibility of sustaining the economy.
“I’m puzzled when the opposition says we are burdening foreigners, claiming they too contribute to the country. I don’t understand, in what part of the world are foreigners treated the same as citizens?” he said at the 2025 National Anti-Drug Day celebration at Dataran Darulaman in Jitra, Bernama reported.
Anwar also addressed criticism of the recent six-sen cut in RON95 petrol, saying the reduction from RM2.05 to RM1.99 per litre — announced on Wednesday — required careful deliberation due to its fiscal implications.
“It is not easy for the government to slash the price of RON95 petrol, even if it is only six sen, because it needs to take into account the financial implications for the country,” he said.
“That’s why it took a few more days to ensure a thorough evaluation before announcing the RON95 price reduction.”
He acknowledged comparisons with neighbouring countries, but maintained that Malaysia’s fuel price remains lower.
“Yes, countries like Thailand and Singapore may have adjusted their prices earlier, but ours is still lower, and this is for the benefit of Malaysians.
“(You) want to be ungrateful or want to disagree, it’s okay, but please know that this is not an easy decision (for the government). That’s why it took days to finalise. Don’t belittle this effort. Some say it’s just a six-sen difference, but they didn’t hear the full explanation,” he added.
Anwar also defended the government’s recent RM100 cash aid under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme, which will be disbursed to all Malaysians aged 18 and above.
“This RM100 aid stems from an increased government allocation, from RM13 billion to RM15 billion. A husband and wife will each receive RM100, and if they have children aged 18 and above, they will receive it too,” he said.
He further highlighted the administration’s decision to defer toll rate hikes, acknowledging the move would cost the federal government up to RM500 million.
“According to the agreement, toll rates should have gone up this year. I wasn’t the one who signed that deal; the previous government did.
“If we don’t raise the toll, the government must compensate the concessionaires, but we chose not to raise it, to avoid burdening the people. So even if there’s no ‘thank you,’ at least don’t condemn us,” he said. — July 25, 2025
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