Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement on the reduction of RON95 petrol price to RM1.99 per litre has been met with relief and gratitude by Malaysians, who viewed the move as a ‘breath of fresh air’ in easing the burden of the rising cost of living.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, those interviewed expressed that even small daily savings make a significant impact when accumulated weekly and monthly, ultimately helping them better manage their household budgets. Consumers Association of Kedah (CAKE) president Mohd Yusrizal Yusoff remarked that the announcement was welcomed and reassuring, especially amid public concerns over the implementation of a targeted fuel subsidy. “Not only did the price not go up, it went down. This is proof that the government is listening to the people and working to ease our burden,” he said.

In Perlis, private kindergarten teacher Nur Ayuni Syafini Shahalim, 25, shared that the price drop helps ease the cost of her daily commute from Kodiang to her workplace in Arau. “I’m grateful because as a moderate-income worker, every ringgit saved is meaningful,” she said.

For gig economy workers like food delivery rider Mohd Bukhari Mohd Noor, 41, from Penang, the six-sen per litre savings make a big difference, given that petrol is a key necessity in his line of work. “This extra money can go towards my family’s expenses and my parents’ medical treatment,” he commented.

Meanwhile, in Johor, civil servant Syarifah Suhaila Tahir, 37, stated that the move to lower RON95 price should be regarded as a tribute to the people’s continued support of the government’s reform agenda. “Even though the reduction is small, daily use makes the impact substantial,” she highlighted.

University students are also among those who will benefit from the move. Muhammad Aiman Haziq Mohd Alias, 22, and K. Keshveni, 23, noted that the price reduction would allow them to reallocate their monthly budgets for studies, food, and transportation. “I ride a motorcycle to campus daily, so with lower fuel prices, my expenses will drop too,” said Aiman.

In Pahang, food delivery rider Daniel Faiz Mohd Amir, 20, mentioned that he would not only save on fuel expenses, but the savings can also be used for his motorcycle maintenance. “This initiative allows me to work more comfortably without stressing too much about operating costs,” he added.

Meanwhile, Abdul Rashid Ismail, 64, from Kampung Buluh, Hulu Terengganu, expressed that the government’s initiative to lower the RON95 price to RM1.99 per litre brings significant benefits to the people. “It demonstrates the government’s genuine efforts to ease the people’s burden through various means and aspects of life. If compared, of course, our fuel usage in the village may be lower than those living in urban areas. However, this initiative is still highly anticipated because any savings on petrol can be used for other essential needs,” he stated.

Anwar announced that the RON95 price will be reduced as part of the government’s targeted fuel subsidy plan. He also assured that ordinary Malaysians would not be adversely affected. “Once the targeted RON95 subsidy is implemented, Malaysians will enjoy a lower petrol price of RM1.99 per litre. This will benefit around 18 million drivers and motorcycle riders, including youths as young as 16, and gig workers,” he said during the special appreciation for Malaysians address, which was aired live on major media channels today.