Day: May 13, 2026

Experts Urge Fairer, Data-driven Approach To Petrol Subsidy Reform

KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 -- The government has been urged to adopt a multi-dimensional household income classification system to ensure that the proposed review of petrol subsidies for high-income earners is implemented more transparently and accurately. Economist Emeritus Prof Dr Barjoyai Bardai said the approach would provide a more comprehensive assessment of a household’s actual financial capacity, as it would take into account not only income, but also assets, location, number of dependents and spending patterns. The Provost and Dean of the Institute of Graduate Studies at Universiti Sains dan Teknologi Malaysia said the current B40, M40 and T20 classification system no longer reflects the realities of today’s cost of living, particularly the disparity between urban and rural areas. “An income of RM15,000 in Kuala Lumpur is not the same as RM15,000 earned by a household in Kota Bharu, because living costs in major cities, medium-sized towns, rural areas, as well as Sabah and Sarawak, differ significantly,” he told Bernama. Barjoyai said a score-based multi-dimensional approach would be more practical in the long term as it measures a household’s real financial capability rather than relying solely on gross monthly income. He also cautioned the government against policies that could intensify the “middle-class squeeze” phenomenon, where middle-income groups face mounting pressure from taxes and subsidy reductions, leading to a higher cost of living. On the proposed petrol subsidy review, he suggested that the government consider alternative mechanisms such as a controlled fuel price float or limiting subsidised petrol purchases to the first 100 litres per consumer. Meanwhile, Fellow of the National Professors' Council, Azmi Hassan, proposed reducing the high-income household category to the top 15 per cent instead of the current 20 per cent, using data from the Main Database (PADU) as the primary reference. He said integrating PADU data with information from the Inland Revenue Board could help the government identify subsidy recipients more accurately and comprehensively. Azmi also dismissed claims that the move would be unfair to high-income earners, stressing that the proposal only involved households with strong financial standing. Federation of Malaysian Consumers' Associations chief executive officer Dr T Saravanan said public concerns remained over the accuracy of government data involving income levels, employment status, family dependents and changing economic circumstances. “If the data is inaccurate, there is a risk of exclusion or mistargeting. Before full implementation, the government must ensure that review, update and appeal processes are simple, efficient and accessible so consumers are not adversely affected by data weaknesses,” he said. Saravanan also proposed that the government introduce incentives such as tax relief or additional targeted assistance if subsidy reductions are implemented for certain groups. At the same time, he said the government should continue prioritising efforts to curb fuel smuggling, reduce wastage in public spending and improve the efficiency of subsidy distribution systems. Meanwhile, Deputy President of the Consumer-Friendly Organisation of Malaysia, Azlin Othman, said the proposed subsidy review for high-income groups is a reasonable step towards ensuring government aid is more targeted and sustainable, while strengthening the country’s fiscal position over the medium and long term. However, she stressed that any subsidy rationalisation measures must be implemented cautiously and in stages, accompanied by clear communication to avoid negative public perception and market sentiment. On Sunday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the government was still studying the best mechanism for the proposed petrol subsidy review for high-income groups and that a final decision would be announced soon.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 — The government has been urged to adopt a multi-dimensional household income classification system to ensure that the proposed review of petrol subsidies for high-income earners is implemented more transparently and accurately. Economist Emeritus Prof Dr Barjoyai Bardai said the approach would provide a more comprehensive assessment of a household’s actual […]

PERKESO Celebrates Long Service and Excellence as Datuk Seri Ramanan Hails Staff Dedication

PUTRAJAYA, May 13 — Deputy Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan Ramanan today praised the dedication and sacrifices of Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) employees, describing them as the backbone of Malaysia’s social protection system. Speaking at the PERKESO Outstanding Service Award and Loyal Service Award Ceremony in Putrajaya, Ramanan said the event symbolised appreciation and recognition for staff who have consistently demonstrated commitment in safeguarding the welfare and social security of the people. A total of 193 employees received the Outstanding Service Award, while several others were honoured with the 20-year and 25-year Loyal Service Awards. “You are the strength and backbone of PERKESO in ensuring the country’s social protection system continues to serve the rakyat effectively,” he said. Ramanan also paid tribute to PERKESO Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Sri Dr. Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed, who received the Faithful Service Award for more than 25 years of service with the organisation. He described Mohammed Azman’s leadership and dedication as instrumental in elevating PERKESO to one of its strongest performances in history. “The success of an organisation is not determined solely by its systems or buildings, but by the values, integrity and human spirit that drive it every day,” he added. Ramanan stressed that PERKESO has evolved beyond being merely an institution, saying it now represents “the hope of the people” in providing social protection and welfare support to Malaysians. He congratulated the entire PERKESO workforce and encouraged them to continue striving for excellence in service to the nation.

PUTRAJAYA, May 13 — Minister of Human Resources Datuk Seri M. Saravanan Ramanan today praised the dedication and sacrifices of Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) employees, describing them as the backbone of Malaysia’s social protection system. Speaking at the PERKESO Outstanding Service Award and Loyal Service Award Ceremony in Putrajaya, Ramanan said the event symbolised appreciation […]

Fahmi Fadzil Highlights Creative Industry Achievements at Ministry’s Monthly Assembly Hosted by FINAS

PUTRAJAYA, 13 MAY -- National Film Development Corporation Malaysia yesterday hosted the Ministry of Communications Monthly Assembly for May 2026 at the Multipurpose Hall, Level B1, Ministry of Communications Complex, attended by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil. In his address, Fahmi highlighted several significant achievements of the nation’s creative industry, including the success of local films which recorded the highest-ever box office collection of RM244 million in 2025. He also announced the establishment of the Orange Economy Council as a strategic initiative to strengthen the national creative industry ecosystem. In addition, he shared plans for the creation of an Animation Division within FINAS aimed at empowering and elevating the local animation sector to greater heights. Also present at the assembly were Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Communications Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah, Deputy Secretary-General (Strategic Communications and Creative Industry) Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil, FINAS Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib, as well as the ministry’s top management, heads of agencies and departments under the Ministry of Communications. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB FAHMI FADZIL

PUTRAJAYA, 13 MAY — National Film Development Corporation Malaysia yesterday hosted the Ministry of Communications Monthly Assembly for May 2026 at the Multipurpose Hall, Level B1, Ministry of Communications Complex, attended by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil. In his address, Fahmi highlighted several significant achievements of the nation’s creative industry, including the success of local films […]

PM Anwar Reaffirms MADANI Government’s Commitment to Sabah’s Welfare and Development

KUALA LUMPUR, 13 MAY -- Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today received a courtesy visit from Deputy Minister of Human Resources Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan and Sabah Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Jamawi Jaafar. During the meeting, they discussed and reviewed several matters related to the development and welfare of the people of Sabah. The discussion also focused on efforts to improve the living standards of citizens, particularly those in rural areas, including initiatives to strengthen economic opportunities and enhance the people’s welfare. Prime Minister Anwar stressed that the MADANI Government will continue to prioritise Sabah’s needs to ensure that every policy and assistance announced is effectively implemented and truly felt by the people on the ground. “Insya-Allah, the government remains committed to ensuring that development and aid initiatives benefit the rakyat directly and comprehensively,” he said. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB ANWAR IBRAHIM

KUALA LUMPUR, 13 MAY — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim yesterday received a courtesy visit from Deputy Minister of Human Resources Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan and Sabah Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Jamawi Jaafar. During the meeting, they discussed and reviewed several matters related to the development and welfare of the people of Sabah. […]

MADANI Government Expands Support for Small Businesses Facing Rising Costs

PUTRAJAYA, 13 May — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim yesterday chaired the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) meeting, which focused on strengthening Malaysia’s preparedness and economic resilience in facing the ongoing global supply crisis and rising cost of living. During the meeting, several strategic proposals and initiatives were discussed, including measures to reduce rental rates for business premises under the supervision of local authorities (PBTs) nationwide. Anwar stressed that more local authorities should emulate the efforts already implemented by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and MARA in lowering rental rates for traders and premise occupants, particularly to ease the burden faced by hawkers and small business operators affected by increasing operating costs. “The MADANI Government has begun implementing rental reductions through DBKL and MARA. This compassionate approach should serve as an example for other local authorities across the country in safeguarding the welfare of the people and ensuring the continuity of small businesses amid increasingly challenging global economic conditions,” he said. The Prime Minister added that the meeting also reviewed several strategic measures aimed at addressing global economic uncertainty, including the development of a Global Supply Crisis Monitoring Dashboard and proposed policy improvements related to supply management and price control. Taking into account the impact of the global crisis on the prices of daily necessities, Anwar instructed all ministries to restructure and strengthen existing initiatives, assistance, and intervention efforts to ensure aid reaches targeted groups effectively, especially the poor and vulnerable communities. He reiterated that MTEN will continue prioritising efforts to guarantee supply continuity and protect the rakyat, particularly vulnerable groups and small traders, from the effects of global economic shocks. “The government remains committed to ensuring no one is left behind as we navigate these global economic challenges together,” he said. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB ANWAR IBRAHIM

PUTRAJAYA, 13 May — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim yesterday chaired the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) meeting, which focused on strengthening Malaysia’s preparedness and economic resilience in facing the ongoing global supply crisis and rising cost of living. During the meeting, several strategic proposals and initiatives were discussed, including measures to reduce rental rates for […]

Malaysia Strengthens Global Innovation Ties at FutureX Venture Fest, Says Gobind Singh Deo

KUALA LUMPUR, 13 May — Malaysia is positioning itself as a leading force in the global digital and artificial intelligence ecosystem by fostering stronger international collaboration and accelerating innovation-driven initiatives, said Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo. Speaking at the FutureX Venture Fest, Gobind highlighted Malaysia’s commitment to building an open, connected, and borderless future through strategic partnerships with innovators, investors, and industry leaders from Silicon Valley, China, Europe, Australia, and across ASEAN. He said the strong international participation at the event reflects growing confidence in Malaysia’s role as an emerging technology and innovation hub in the region. “As we advance towards becoming an AI Nation by 2030, our focus remains clear — ensuring that artificial intelligence delivers meaningful impact for startups, SMEs, researchers, students, civil servants, and everyday Malaysians,” he said. Gobind added that the government is actively translating innovation policies into practical outcomes through initiatives such as the Government Innovation Initiative (GII), which aims to improve public services, accelerate technological adoption, and create wider economic opportunities for the rakyat. He stressed that innovation cannot thrive in isolation and called for greater collaboration across borders, industries, and communities to shape the future of technology and economic growth. “The future cannot be built alone. Collaboration will define the next chapter of innovation, and Malaysia is ready to work with global partners to create inclusive and sustainable progress,” he said. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB GOBIND SINGH DEO

KUALA LUMPUR, 13 May — Malaysia is positioning itself as a leading force in the global digital and artificial intelligence ecosystem by fostering stronger international collaboration and accelerating innovation-driven initiatives, said Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo. Speaking at the FutureX Venture Fest, Gobind highlighted Malaysia’s commitment to building an open, connected, and borderless future through […]