JOHOR BARU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he will fulfil his promise to reduce the price of RON95 petrol to RM1.99 by the end of this month, as previously announced.
He told everyone to remain patient for the announcement and not be swayed by misleading or inaccurate information circulating online.
“Some people are upset that fuel prices haven’t dropped, even though it’s already September. But I had said the price cut would take place before the end of September, not at the beginning or mid-month.
“So please be patient. If you’re not Malaysian, you may have to pay RM2.50 or RM2.60, but Malaysians will only pay RM1.99.
“Look at other countries — no one else is reducing their fuel prices,” he said during his speech at the Johor state-level Rapat Umum 27 Tahun Reformasi held at a hotel here.
He said it’s possible thanks to the federal government’s administration, which takes into account the needs of a multiracial society.
“The reason we can (lower fuel prices) is because we are in power. This government thinks about the people—when we make a promise, we will fulfill it.
“Previously, we said that if we form the government today, fuel prices would drop tomorrow, but it took a year or two—still, the prices are set to go down.
“Besides that, some parties ask about the many promises that have yet to be fulfilled. Yes, it’s true that many are still pending. But when you (the opposition) were in power, what did you do? We will do our best for the people,” he said.
He said the government’s move to provide the one-off Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) aid of RM100 was well received by the public, regardless of their economic background.
“Recently, we gave out RM100. Everyone’s happy, right?
“This aid isn’t just for the B40 and M40 groups, but also for professionals. At the very least, it shows that we are thinking of all Malaysians and we’ll see later on (about increasing the amount),” he said.
On July 23, Anwar announced a reduction in fuel prices before the end of September.
He said the challenging economic situation and global uncertainties have necessitated various measures to ensure the country’s economy returns to the right track.
The move is expected to benefit 18 million car drivers and motorcyclists, including youths as young as 16 and gig workers.
For the years 2023 and 2024, subsidies for RON95 petrol alone were estimated to cost nearly RM20 billion per year.
Despite a drop in global oil prices this year, the unsubsidised price of RON95 remains around RM2.50 per litre, significantly higher than the subsidised price currently enjoyed by the public.
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