Tag: MADANI

BUDI Diesel Expected To Reduce Leakages, Ensure Targeted Distribution To Elegible Groups

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 -- The implementation of the BUDI MADANI Diesel (BUDI Diesel) initiative, which provides diesel at RM2.10 per litre through the MyKad verification mechanism from July 1, is expected to reduce subsidy leakages while ensuring government assistance reaches those who genuinely need it. Putra Business School (PBS) economic analyst Associate Professor Dr Ahmed Razman Abdul Latiff said a targeted subsidy mechanism is more sustainable than blanket subsidies as it enables the government to channel assistance more accurately to eligible groups. “Through the targeted price subsidy approach, those who depend on diesel for work or business, including operators of diesel-powered machinery and equipment, can directly benefit from lower operating costs,” he told Bernama. He explained that targeted fuel subsidies serve a different purpose from direct cash assistance. While cash aid provides households with greater flexibility in managing daily expenses, fuel subsidies help contain production, logistics and transportation costs. However, Ahmed Razman said the success of the BUDI Diesel initiative depends on the accuracy of recipient data and the technological capacity to support the distribution system, particularly in rural areas with limited internet connectivity. “The key challenge is ensuring that the database of eligible recipients is continuously updated to avoid complaints from those who may be left out. A transparent and efficient feedback and appeal mechanism is also essential because the effectiveness of the BUDI Diesel programme depends on accurate data,” he said. He added that targeted subsidies could also ease the government's fiscal burden by limiting benefits to eligible recipients and preventing higher-income groups and foreign nationals from enjoying subsidised fuel. “The savings generated can be redirected to high-impact sectors such as education, healthcare, public transport and infrastructure. The success of this approach can be measured through controlled inflation and a more manageable cost of living,” he said. Meanwhile, Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid described the use of MyKad as the primary verification mechanism for subsidy distribution as a systematic and proven approach. We have already seen this mechanism successfully implemented for RON95 fuel. Applying the same approach to diesel is expected to generate savings of about RM2 billion while ensuring the subsidy is distributed in a more targeted and efficient manner,” he said. He said efforts to curb fuel smuggling and subsidy abuse would enable the government to manage subsidy expenditure more effectively and sustainably. “If fuel prices remain stable and the economy continues to grow, the government could eventually consider distributing subsidies based on income levels, further reducing future fuel subsidy expenditure,” he said. Mohd Afzanizam also stressed that fuel subsidies should be viewed as a temporary measure and called for the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) to be accelerated as part of Malaysia's green mobility agenda. “The shift to EVs must continue. To support this transition, charging infrastructure needs to be expanded and fast-charging technology further developed to address range anxiety,” he said. Meanwhile, the Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia (PPIM) urged the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) to strengthen enforcement to prevent traders from exploiting the implementation of the BUDI Diesel initiative by imposing unjustified price increases. Its chief activist, Datuk Nadzim Johan, said changes in fuel prices often trigger a chain reaction that drives up the prices of goods and services, ultimately burdening consumers. “When diesel prices increase, the prices of many other goods tend to rise as well. Once prices go up, they rarely come down. Therefore, strict enforcement is essential to prevent irresponsible parties from taking advantage of the situation,” he said. He also encouraged consumers to act as the government's eyes and ears by reporting unreasonable price increases, accompanied by supporting evidence such as purchase receipts and location. Besides monitoring prices, Nadzim urged the government to tighten controls on imported products to protect local producers and introduce policies to reduce food waste, including promoting the use of retort packaging technology to strengthen the country's food security. -- BERNAMA 

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 — The implementation of the BUDI MADANI Diesel (BUDI Diesel) initiative, which provides diesel at RM2.10 per litre through the MyKad verification mechanism from July 1, is expected to reduce subsidy leakages while ensuring government assistance reaches those who genuinely need it. Putra Business School (PBS) economic analyst Associate Professor Dr […]

Royal Malaysian Navy Strengthens Community Ties Through Conservation and Welfare Initiative

KUALA LUMPUR, June 2 — The Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) reaffirmed its commitment to environmental conservation and community development through the Navy People in MADANI Pure Souls Programme Series 2/2026, held at Sungai Tekala Eco Jungle Park and Sungai Lalang Baru Indigenous Village. Organised in collaboration with the Department of Indigenous People's Development (JAKOA), the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), and the Forestry Department, the programme featured a range of community-focused activities, including the distribution of essential food supplies, river-cleaning efforts, and the restoration of public facilities such as football fields to enhance the quality of life for local residents. As a symbolic gesture of support, the Assistant Chief of Staff of the Secretariat, First Admiral Ismail bin Othman, presented food aid to representatives of the Indigenous community, reflecting the Navy's continued commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of local communities. The initiative underscores the Royal Malaysian Navy's dedication to fostering stronger ties with communities through volunteerism, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility, while promoting sustainable development and collective efforts to preserve the nation's natural heritage.     -- Source: Kementerian Pertahanan Malaysia -- Credit FB: Kementerian Pertahanan Malaysia  -- MINUTESMY 

KUALA LUMPUR, July 2 — The Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) reaffirmed its commitment to environmental conservation and community development through the Navy People in MADANI Pure Souls Programme Series 2/2026, held at Sungai Tekala Eco Jungle Park and Sungai Lalang Baru Indigenous Village. Organised in collaboration with the Department of Indigenous People’s Development (JAKOA), the Department […]

PM Anwar Chairs National Education Council Meeting, Calls for Bold Reforms to Future-Proof Malaysia’s Education System

PUTRAJAYA, July 1 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim yesterday chaired the first National Education Council (MPN) Meeting for 2026, reaffirming the government's commitment to implementing bold and meaningful reforms to strengthen Malaysia's education system from schools to higher education. During the meeting, discussions centred on improving the quality of education at the district level, strengthening the Bumiputera education agenda, and developing a comprehensive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) talent pipeline to meet the nation's future workforce demands. Anwar said the National Education Council was established not merely to make incremental adjustments but to drive transformative changes that would ensure Malaysia's education system remains relevant in an increasingly competitive and rapidly evolving global landscape. He stressed that education reforms must include continuous improvements to educational content and curriculum while enhancing English language proficiency as a second language, without compromising the importance of the national language, cultural values, moral education and the principles of Malaysia MADANI. "The National Education Council was created not merely to make adjustments, but to drive bold and meaningful changes so that our education system remains relevant to the demands of the times," he said. Anwar added that the government remains committed to objectively evaluating the country's education system by taking into account the views, expertise and recommendations of educators, academics, industry players and other stakeholders. He said such an inclusive approach would ensure that every policy and initiative undertaken genuinely prepares future generations with the knowledge, skills and values needed to navigate future challenges. The Prime Minister also cautioned against complacency, saying that satisfaction with the existing education system should never become an obstacle to national progress. Instead, he urged all stakeholders to embrace change, foster innovation and work collectively to elevate the quality of Malaysia's education system to greater heights. The meeting reflects the MADANI Government's ongoing commitment to building a future-ready education ecosystem capable of producing highly skilled, competitive and values-driven Malaysians. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB ANWAR IBRAHIM

PUTRAJAYA, July 1 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim yesterday chaired the first National Education Council (MPN) Meeting for 2026, reaffirming the government’s commitment to implementing bold and meaningful reforms to strengthen Malaysia’s education system from schools to higher education. During the meeting, discussions centred on improving the quality of education at the district level, strengthening […]

KPKT Allocates RM216.44 Mln To Boost Development, Public Well-being In Johor

JOHOR BAHRU, June 25 -- The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) has allocated RM216.44 million to Johor to boost housing development, public amenities, and community welfare. The minister, Nga Kor Ming, said the funds were allocated under the ministry’s development programme as part of the first rolling plan of the 13th Malaysia Plan. He said the funding covers several strategic initiatives, including affordable housing projects, the maintenance of stratified homes, public amenities, community safety, solid waste management, and urban and rural development. "This RM216.44 million allocation proves the MADANI Government's continuous commitment to ensuring the people of Johor enjoy access to quality housing, comfortable public amenities, and a more sustainable, prosperous living environment. "To give an example, this flat (Flat Taman Ungku Tun Aminah) is 41 years old and is the largest in Johor, with over 80 blocks. Today, through our community outreach programme, we are beginning renovation works on the first 10 blocks,” he said at the media conference for KPKT’s Sentuhan Kasih Programme 4.0, at Flat Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, Skudai, today. Nga said the majority of the funds would be used to advance the public housing agenda through various initiatives, including Rumah Malaysia, the People's Housing Project (PPR), the People's Residency Programme (PRR), and the MADANI Inclusive Housing Development (PIM). Additionally, the funds will be used to upgrade public infrastructure, including markets, MADANI stalls, drainage systems, public toilets, recreational parks, fire stations, and residential areas. To reinforce the sustainable development agenda, he said allocations were also channelled toward solid waste management projects, the safe closure of landfills, and the implementation of public landscaping projects. "The ministry is also continuing the Urban Housing Refurbishment Programme, the Non-Muslim Houses of Worship Maintenance Initiative, and New Village Development Projects, which aim to improve the welfare of those in need and strengthen community unity," he said. Nga said the ministry would continue to strengthen its strategic cooperation with the Johor state government and local authorities to ensure all projects are executed efficiently, transparently, and with high impact. -- BERNAMA 

JOHOR BAHRU, June 25 — The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) has allocated RM216.44 million to Johor to boost housing development, public amenities, and community welfare. The minister, Nga Kor Ming, said the funds were allocated under the ministry’s development programme as part of the first rolling plan of the 13th Malaysia Plan. […]

Strong Workers, Prosperous Nation: Datuk Ramanan Reaffirms Government’s Commitment to Labour Welfare

KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 -- Deputy Minister of Human Resources, R. Ramanan, reaffirmed the MADANI Government's commitment to strengthening the role of trade unions as strategic partners in safeguarding workers' welfare and promoting inclusive economic growth. Speaking at the Peninsular Malaysia-level 2026 Trade Union Affairs Programme (PHEKS) Grant Presentation Ceremony, attended by more than 1,500 trade union members from across Peninsular Malaysia, Ramanan announced the distribution of RM2.88 million in grants to 315 trade unions nationwide. He said the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) remains committed to empowering trade unions to ensure workers' rights are respected, welfare is protected, and the benefits of economic development are shared fairly among all Malaysians. “For 2026, a total of RM6.1 million has been allocated for the implementation of PHEKS nationwide. The programme will support training, education, research, digitalisation, governance empowerment, outreach initiatives, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities,” he said. Ramanan emphasised that trade unions play a much broader role than merely serving as a platform for workers to voice grievances. “Trade unions are the voice of workers, an important mechanism for checks and balances, and a key partner in national development,” he said. Addressing the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the future of work, he stressed the importance of equipping Malaysian workers with new skills to remain competitive in a rapidly changing employment landscape. He noted that KESUMA has introduced various training initiatives, including the AI MyMahir Roadshow, aimed at helping Malaysians acquire future-ready digital and technological skills. “When workers are protected, the economy grows. When workers are respected, the nation becomes more prosperous. And when workers succeed, Malaysia will continue to move forward,” he added. -- MINUTESMY

KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 — Minister of Human Resources, R. Ramanan, reaffirmed the MADANI Government’s commitment to strengthening the role of trade unions as strategic partners in safeguarding workers’ welfare and promoting inclusive economic growth. Speaking at the Peninsular Malaysia-level 2026 Trade Union Affairs Programme (PHEKS) Grant Presentation Ceremony, attended by more than 1,500 trade […]

MADANI government strengthens efforts to reach out to the people through Ziarah Kasih

MERSING, JUNE 24 -- The MADANI government is committed to strengthening efforts to reach out to the people through the Ziarah Kasih programme, which, among other things, aims to provide direct assistance to those in need. Political Secretary to the Minister of Communications, Abdullah Izhar Mohamed Yusof, said the approach reflects a commitment to bridge the gap between the government and the people, thus helping to ease the burden faced. "This initiative is an ongoing government effort with recipients identified from the Information Department and the MADANI Community and will continue from time to time," he told reporters at the Jiwa@Komuniti MADANI Sembang Santai World Cup Edition Programme in Endau, here, on Tuesday. He said the programme would be continued periodically as an effort to ensure that the welfare of the community was maintained, in line with the aspirations of MADANI Malaysia which emphasised the well-being and concern for the people. Abdullah Izhar also spent time caring for senior citizens facing health problems and presented donations and health equipment as a sign of the government's concern for the welfare of the people. Among the recipients is Hamdan Abd Latif, 71, who is currently bedridden due to a stroke and is being fully cared for by his wife, Meriam Abd Wahab. Meanwhile, Meriam, 66, said he was grateful for the assistance he received because it had helped to reduce the burden he faced. She said her husband, who is also a retired firefighter, fell while fishing for shrimp in 2011, about two weeks before his scheduled mandatory retirement, and a doctor's examination confirmed that he had a brain tumor and had to undergo surgery. Meriam said Hamdan was later confirmed to be free of the tumor, but the effects of the disease slowly affected her husband's health before he suffered a stroke after falling in the toilet last year. "I used to sew to supplement the family's income, but now I can no longer do that because I have to focus full time on taking care of my husband," she said. Another recipient, Zainon Ibrahim, 91, is cared for by his son, Jamaluddin Ismail, 64, who decided to quit his job to care for his mother about two years ago, in addition to being helped by his other siblings. "Thank you for the government's concern for us, at least we can help cover the necessities for my mother," said Jamaluddin, who previously worked as a supervisor. -- BERNAMA

MERSING, JUNE 24 — The MADANI government is committed to strengthening efforts to reach out to the people through the Ziarah Kasih programme, which, among other things, aims to provide direct assistance to those in need. Political Secretary to the Minister of Communications, Abdullah Izhar Mohamed Yusof, said the approach reflects a commitment to bridge […]

RM25.2 Million Allocated For Solar LED Lights At 32 High-risk Highway Locations – Nanta

KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 -- The government has allocated RM25.2 million for the initial phase of installing solar-powered LED street lights at 32 high-risk and accident-prone locations along highway networks nationwide. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the initiative, under the MADANI Monitoring programme, involves the installation of 3,000 light poles to enhance road users’ safety at the identified locations. He said the project is a proactive measure by the Works Ministry, together with the Finance Ministry and the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM), in response to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s call when he announced the related allocation in the 2026 Budget in October last year. “The government takes road accidents very seriously. The original allocation mentioned earlier was RM30 million, but for this initial phase, we are allocating RM25 million first. The remaining funds will be disbursed after we assess requirements from time to time. "The Letter of Acceptance (SST) has been handed over to the selected contractor today, which means physical works on site can commence immediately. The project is targeted for full completion by the end of November this year," he said. -- BERNAMA 

KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 — The government has allocated RM25.2 million for the initial phase of installing solar-powered LED street lights at 32 high-risk and accident-prone locations along highway networks nationwide. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the initiative, under the MADANI Monitoring programme, involves the installation of 3,000 light poles to enhance […]

PM Anwar Ibrahim Arrives in Turkmenistan to Advance MADANI Diplomacy and Bilateral Cooperation

ASHGABAT, June 19 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim arrived in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, today at the invitation of Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov as part of Malaysia's ongoing MADANI Diplomacy mission aimed at strengthening international partnerships and expanding economic cooperation. Anwar expressed hope that the series of meetings and engagements scheduled throughout the official visit would proceed smoothly and deliver significant benefits for Malaysia and its people. The Prime Minister said the visit provides an important opportunity to further enhance the longstanding friendship between Malaysia and Turkmenistan while deepening cooperation across various sectors of mutual interest. He noted that both countries are committed to exploring new avenues of collaboration that can generate shared prosperity and strengthen bilateral relations for the benefit of their respective peoples. The official visit is expected to focus on expanding economic ties, fostering investment opportunities, and strengthening cooperation in strategic sectors, reflecting Malaysia's continued commitment to constructive international engagement under the MADANI framework.         -- MINUTESMY  -- SOURCE: FB ANWAR IBRAHIM 

ASHGABAT, June 19 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim arrived in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, today at the invitation of Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov as part of Malaysia’s ongoing MADANI Diplomacy mission aimed at strengthening international partnerships and expanding economic cooperation. Anwar expressed hope that the series of meetings and engagements scheduled throughout the official visit […]

YB Datuk Fahmi Welcomes Ericsson Delegation, Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Malaysia’s Digital Ecosystem

KUALA LUMPUR, June 13 — Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil accompanied Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in receiving a courtesy visit from the Ericsson delegation led by its President and Chief Executive Officer, Börje Ekholm, in a meeting focused on advancing Malaysia’s digital transformation agenda. Fahmi said the engagement reflects the Ministry of Communications’ ongoing commitment to strengthening the nation’s digital ecosystem, particularly through the expansion of 5G adoption, enhancement of telecommunications infrastructure and the development of a more sustainable, secure and resilient network. “The discussion provided an important platform to explore opportunities for deeper collaboration in supporting Malaysia’s digital aspirations and ensuring the country remains competitive in the rapidly evolving digital economy,” he said. The minister also welcomed Ericsson’s continued commitment to developing local talent through skills training, technology transfer initiatives and partnerships with educational institutions. According to Fahmi, such efforts are essential in building a highly skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of emerging technologies and supporting the nation’s long-term digital growth. He added that the MADANI Government values strong partnerships with global technology leaders in driving innovation and accelerating the implementation of key digital initiatives. “Insya-Allah, this good relationship will continue to be strengthened in support of Malaysia’s digitalisation agenda and efforts to deliver greater benefits to the people and the nation,” he said. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB FAHMI FADZIL

KUALA LUMPUR, June 13 — Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil accompanied Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in receiving a courtesy visit from the Ericsson delegation led by its President and Chief Executive Officer, Börje Ekholm, in a meeting focused on advancing Malaysia’s digital transformation agenda. Fahmi said the engagement reflects the Ministry of Communications’ […]