Anwar Ibrahim Urges Swift Action on Cost of Living, Development Projects in Kuantan

KUALA LUMPUR — Anwar Ibrahim has emphasized the need for caution in adjusting national policy implementation, particularly in addressing the economic impact of ongoing conflicts in the Gulf and West Asia. Speaking at the District Development Meeting in Kuantan — the sixth district he has visited — Anwar stressed that national defense and security measures have been strengthened to ensure the stability and well-being of both the government and the people. On the rising cost of living, the Prime Minister said the government is taking immediate and comprehensive steps to protect citizens from economic pressures in both the short and long term. He added that developments are being closely monitored from the outset to minimize direct impacts on the national economy. Anwar also called for stronger coordination between the Federal Government and the Pahang State Government, particularly in ensuring that small-scale projects under the Rolling Plan approved in the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) are implemented without delay so that their benefits can be quickly felt by the public. Addressing land-related issues in project implementation, he assured that the Federal Government would provide effective solutions to assist the state in expediting approved projects and avoiding prolonged delays. During the meeting, Anwar was briefed on the progress of federal and state initiatives in Kuantan, including challenges such as rising construction material costs affecting schools, as well as drainage maintenance in flood mitigation areas and regions previously unaffected by floods. He also reviewed updates on public well-being indicators, including hardcore poverty, crime index trends, MADANI Village and School initiatives, the development of business stalls, and proposed community-focused (Cakna MADANI) projects. Highlighting the importance of grassroots economic support, Anwar stressed that priority should be given to upgrading and expanding facilities for small traders in Kuantan. He urged local authorities and the Ministry of Local Government Development (KPKT) to closely monitor the needs of stall operators to ensure they can conduct business more comfortably and increase their income, rather than focusing solely on large-scale or mega projects. In addition, he reiterated a Cabinet decision directing the Ministry of Education to expedite the preparation of additional classrooms for Year 1 students aged six and seven, ahead of the 2027 school intake, including in Kuantan. Concluding his remarks, Anwar called on the people of Pahang and Malaysians nationwide to pray for the country’s continued stability and resilience in facing ongoing economic challenges. --Minutes MY / Igneseous Noris --Photo: FB Anwar Ibrahim

KUALA LUMPUR — PM Anwar Ibrahim has emphasized the need for caution in adjusting national policy implementation, particularly in addressing the economic impact of ongoing conflicts in the Gulf and West Asia. Speaking at the District Development Meeting in Kuantan — the sixth district he has visited — PM Anwar stressed that national defense and […]