Malaysia pushes ahead with petrol subsidy cuts despite public outcry, inflation concerns
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim insists the controversial move, set for July, will benefit those most in need
But the move in a country with more cars than people has raised concerns that it could trigger inflation if consumers have to pay market price for fuel.
Analysts have warned that subsidy cuts could end up being a deal breaker for voters if not handled well, with the administration facing a string of elections over the next two years.
Anwar said the plan to remove blanket petrol subsidies would free up much-needed funds to aid the country’s poor and upgrade the quality of education, healthcare and other public services.
“I would like to reiterate that there is no issue of the RON95 increase affecting 85 to 90 per cent of our people,” he told reporters on Monday, referring to the subsidised fuel grade.
“Whatever the opposition says is just a gimmick, a desperate attempt to portray the people as suffering, to fuel more negative narratives.”