WHILE the newly announced RM100 one-off aid under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiative is appreciated, Malaysians are hoping for more concrete and sustainable solutions to tackle rising living costs, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

Chow acknowledged that the Federal Government is operating under tight fiscal constraints but urged for more forward-looking policies to support the rakyat in the long run.

“Despite the tight financial situation, this incentive, which will cost the government billions, is still appreciated.

“However, I believe the people are looking forward to more comprehensive forms of assistance, such as initiatives that ease the cost of doing business, or through infrastructure projects that create jobs and spur growth,” Chow told Buletin Mutiara in Parliament today.

He added that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim should be given room and time to navigate both domestic and global economic pressures, including the ongoing US tariff situation, which could impact Malaysian exports.

“Anwar should be given a free hand to mediate and mitigate the current situation.

“He deserves more time to address these concerns in a meaningful way,” Chow said.

He has also urged the government to expedite the disbursement and application processes for related matters.

Earlier today, Anwar announced during a live press conference that the RM100 cash aid will be disbursed to all Malaysians aged 18 and above via MyKad, starting Aug 31 until Dec 31.

The funds can be used to purchase basic necessities at over 4,100 participating outlets, including Mydin, Lotus’s, Econsave, and 99 Speedmart.

The prime minister also unveiled several other people-centric initiatives, such as September 15 has been declared a public holiday in conjunction with Malaysia Day celebrations, expansion of the Jualan Rahmah Madani programme, with an increased allocation of RM600 million, electricity tariffs will be reduced by up to 14% following a restructuring exercise, RON95 petrol will be subsidised to RM1.99 per litre, and toll rates will not be raised in the near term.

Story by Kevin Vimal Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhammad