• Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announces a one-time cash aid of RM100 ($24) for all adult Malaysians.
• Fuel prices for subsidised RON95 petrol will drop from RM2.05 to RM1.99 per litre, effective from September.
• An estimated 22 million Malaysians will benefit from the cash handout, totaling RM15 billion in government expenditure for 2025.
• Measures follow growing public disquiet and anticipated protests over the rising cost of living.
• Further initiatives to support low-income households are expected to be announced shortly.

In a significant move to tackle escalating living costs, Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has unveiled a comprehensive relief package, which includes a one-time cash handout of RM100 ($24) for all citizens aged 18 and above. This cash aid is anticipated to assist approximately 22 million Malaysians and will be disbursed from August 31, costing the government an estimated RM15 billion for the fiscal year 2025, up from an earlier allocation of RM13 billion, according to SCMP, Channel News Asia, Reuters, Al Jazeera, and The Jakarta Post.

Alongside the cash aid, Anwar has committed to reducing the price of subsidised RON95 petrol from RM2.05 to RM1.99 per litre, effective from September. This adjustment aims to alleviate financial pressure on citizens, particularly amid ongoing concerns regarding the impact of existing economic policies that have drawn criticism for potentially hurting lower and middle-income households, according to Reuters, Al Jazeera, The Jakarta Post, and Channel News Asia.

The announcement comes at a critical time, with protests planned in Kuala Lumpur in response to the rising cost of living and perceived failures in governmental reforms. Anwar acknowledged the public's grievances during his televised address, stating that "the cost of living remains a challenge that must be addressed," and promised further measures targeting poverty alleviation would be discussed soon, according to SCMP, Al Jazeera, and Reuters.