PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian government’s decision to implement targeted diesel subsidies is necessary to save the country, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Monday (Jun 10).
Action must be taken, even though the measure is unpopular, Anwar said during a monthly assembly with staff from the Prime Minister’s Department.
Malaysia has started shifting away from costly blanket subsidies in favour of a more targeted approach that mainly helps the needy.
The country, which heavily subsidises prices of fuel, cooking oil and rice among other basic items, has seen its subsidy bill rise to record levels in recent years amid surging commodity prices, straining government coffers.
Its diesel subsidy bill alone has risen 10-fold from RM1.4 billion in 2019 to RM14.3 billion in 2023.
“Who wants this targeted subsidy? We must also know that whatever we do, we will be severely criticised with all sorts of slander and lies,” said Anwar, who is also finance minister.
“In fact, we have said that all prime ministers before this had agreed on the targeted subsidy, but there was no political will to implement it because of the risks involved. However, to save the country, we have no choice.”
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-diesel-price-targeted-subsidies-anwar-4399361
