Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the decision to let police and military personnel be the first to enjoy subsidised RON95 petrol is in recognition of their role in safeguarding the nation’s security.
Anwar said the country is peaceful and safe because of the sacrifices of the security forces, Bernama reported.
“When there is peace, investors and tourists will come.
“That is why the government began the rollout of the BUDI95 initiative with the police and the military,” he was quoted as saying at an event in Melaka today.
Earlier today, a total of 300,000 armed forces and police personnel became the first group to enjoy the cheaper fuel.
Under the initiative, RON95 petrol will be priced at RM1.99 per litre, down from RM2.05, starting Sept 30 for all Malaysians regardless of income level.
The initiative will benefit about 18 million car and motorcycle users.
Anwar also said the country’s economic policy must take into account the welfare of the people, and not rely solely on theories.
He said various welfare measures had been implemented, including the disbursement of tens of billions of ringgit through the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) cash aid, and the gradual increase in civil servants’ salaries to ensure a better standard of living for the people.
“Our struggle is not rhetoric. Reform must be manifested with concrete actions to help the poor, raise living standards, and ensure the nation’s wealth is distributed fairly,” he said.
Anwar also stressed that the nation’s success did not depend solely on economic growth, but also on the ability to build a society that is united, noble, and of integrity.
