Putrajaya: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today announced six immediate measures for the people covering fuel subsidies, school maintenance, artificial intelligence (AI), healthcare digitalisation, e-Invoicing, and microfinancing, which will take effect on Sept 1. He said all the measures were part of the government's efforts to address the people's concerns, particularly those related to the cost of living and pressures of daily life.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Prime Minister emphasized that these new measures are not intended to mask ongoing concerns but to provide temporary relief to various groups, including schoolchildren, youths, housewives, and mothers. During the 2026 National Day Prime Minister's Address at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC), Anwar reiterated the government's commitment to tackling the cost of living issues. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, Cabinet ministers, and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar were present at the event.
The first measure involves the restoration of the basic eligibility for the Budi MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) programme from 200 litres to 300 litres per month, benefiting over 16 million users with subsidized RON95 fuel. Eligible owners of diesel-powered pickup trucks and four-wheel-drive vehicles will enjoy Budi Diesel of up to 400 litres per month. Additionally, the government will increase the allocation for school maintenance by 50 percent for 2027, covering all streams, including national schools and special education.
The AI for the People programme, the third measure, targets Malaysian youths aged 18 to 30, offering 100,000 youths free subscriptions to AI applications for three months upon completion of prescribed modules. For the fourth measure, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will allocate RM1 billion to enhance digital efficiency in public healthcare, including implementing the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system.
Furthermore, the government will raise the e-Invoice exemption threshold from RM1 million to RM3 million annually, exempting smaller businesses from mandatory implementation. Microfinancing facilities will be increased by RM1 billion, raising the total funding for 2026 to RM6 billion. An additional RM200 million Geran Sejahtera MADANI will assist small traders and mothers running home businesses. Anwar expressed optimism that these measures reflect the spirit of national unity and aim to return economic growth benefits to the people.
Anwar noted in a Facebook post that further announcements will be made during the Malaysia Day celebrations in Sarawak and the tabling of Budget 2027. He assured the public that the government remains committed to addressing their concerns and ensuring that the nation's achievements translate into tangible benefits for a more prosperous and dignified life.