FX.co ★ Malaysia Rolls Out Relief Measures as Protest Looms

On Wednesday, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim revealed a series of initiatives aimed at alleviating public concern over escalating living expenses. Among these measures is a one-time cash handout of MYR 100, set to be given to all citizens aged 18 and above, commencing on August 31. This announcement precedes a scheduled protest in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, which demands Anwar's resignation due to issues related to inflation and unfulfilled reform promises. In response to these challenges, the government has increased its 2025 budget for cash aid from MYR 13 billion to MYR 15 billion. Anwar has also committed to providing long-awaited details on reforming blanket subsidies for RON95 fuel by the end of September. According to this plan, domestic fuel prices are expected to decrease slightly to MYR 1.99 per liter from MYR 2.05, while foreign nationals will continue to pay market rates. Earlier in the year, the government had taken steps to increase revenues by implementing a minimum wage hike, imposing higher electricity tariffs for large-scale consumers, and introducing new sales taxes on selected imports.