Kuala lumpur: The government acknowledges cost-of-living pressures but says responses must be targeted and measured, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said not all issues can be fully resolved due to the country's financial constraints, especially amid an uncertain global environment.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Prime Minister Anwar emphasized the complexity of fully addressing the cost-of-living issues. During the Prime Minister's monthly assembly with ministry staff, which coincided with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) monthly assembly, he stressed the need for wise and partial responses due to financial limitations. Present at the assembly were NRES Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, Deputy Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh, and the ministry's secretary-general Datuk Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin.

Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, outlined measures such as maintaining fuel subsidies like RON95 and the introduction of targeted assistance through the BUDI MADANI initiative to support affected groups. However, he noted the high cost of subsidies as a significant challenge, requiring periodic policy adjustments.

The Prime Minister highlighted the government's focus on targeting assistance to protect those in genuine need. He assured continuous monitoring of prices and ground-level feedback to ensure the effectiveness of implemented policies.

Anwar also addressed claims about oil tanker routes in the Strait of Hormuz, criticizing unfounded statements by certain parties. He clarified that despite some leaders' assertions, the route is crucial for global energy trade, underscoring the importance of basing statements on facts and truth.