By Karen Bong
KUCHING, July 23: Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg today expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for announcing a series of people-centric measures, including a one-off RM100 cash aid for all Malaysian adults and a reduction in RON95 petrol prices, describing them as timely relief for all Malaysians.
In a pre-recorded press conference after the launch of the piped natural gas supply in Sungai Plan, Bintulu, Abang Johari said the initiative aligns with the federal government’s newly announced efforts to ease the burden on the people, particularly in light of rising living costs.
“We thank the Prime Minister, especially for the announcement on the reduction of RON95 fuel prices and several other incentives. I would like to thank him again, as this means that the people of Sarawak are receiving benefits both from Putrajaya and from Petra Jaya in Kuching.
“This will certainly help ease the burden on the people,” he said.
Abang Johari emphasised that the piped gas project in Sungai Plan not only provides cleaner and more efficient energy for residents and businesses but also reflects Sarawak’s commitment to uplifting communities through strategic energy infrastructure development.
Earlier today, Anwar announced the first-ever universal cash handout programme under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) scheme, which will see RM100 in digital credit deposited directly into the MyKad of every Malaysian aged 18 and above beginning Aug 31, 2025.
The assistance, totalling RM2 billion, is expected to benefit 22 million Malaysians.
The credit can be used at over 4,100 participating outlets, including Mydin, Lotus, Econsave, 99 Speedmart, and selected sundry shops across the country until Dec 31, 2025.
In a further move to reduce living expenses, Anwar also announced that the government would implement a targeted subsidy mechanism for RON95 petrol, bringing the price down to RM1.99 per litre by year-end. This measure is expected to benefit 18 million car and motorcycle users.
To foster national unity, the Prime Minister also declared an additional public holiday on Sept 15 in conjunction with Malaysia Day celebrations.
Also present were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi; Minister for Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Sarawak Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; Deputy Minister for Utility (Sarawak Energy and Petros) Dato Ibrahim Baki; PETROS chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr Hamid Bugo; PETROS Group chief executive officer (CEO) Dato Janin Girie; along with other dignitaries and members of the local community. — DayakDaily
