KUALA LUMPUR — In a televised address on Sunday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim unveiled a package of measures aimed at easing the cost of living for ordinary Malaysians and bolstering small‑business owners.

Fuel quota increases

The government will restore the monthly quota for subsidised RON95 petrol to 300 litres per person, up from the 200‑litre limit introduced earlier this year. Diesel quotas for eligible users will also rise to 400 litres per month. Anwar said the move responds to a surge in global crude prices linked to the U.S.–Israeli conflict with Iran.

Digital tools for youth

A new artificial‑intelligence programme will be opened to Malaysians aged 18‑30, providing free access to key applications such as Google’s Gemini Enterprise, Wonderclip and Alibaba Cloud’s MuleRun. The initiative is intended to equip young people with modern skills and improve productivity.

Education, health and small‑business support

Additional funding will be directed toward school maintenance, upgrades to digital health systems and micro‑financing facilities for small traders. The revenue threshold that exempts companies from mandatory e‑invoicing will be raised to three million ringgit a year, easing the compliance burden on smaller firms.

Any assets seized or forfeited in anti‑corruption cases will be earmarked for education and healthcare programmes, Anwar added.

Political backdrop

Anwar’s coalition has faced declining poll numbers after losing three recent regional elections and criticism over unfulfilled reform promises. The upcoming state elections are seen as a bellwether for the general election required by early 2028, and the prime minister hinted that a snap election could be called if internal divisions persist.

With Malaysia’s GDP growing 6 % in the second quarter—outpacing most regional peers—these steps aim to translate national economic strength into tangible benefits for families and local entrepreneurs.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.