Govt Needs To Find At Least RM40 Bln A Year To Cover Fuel Subsidy - PM Anwar

MELAKA, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- The government needs to find at least RM40 billion a year to cover fuel subsidies, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said that fuel prices in Malaysia are currently among the cheapest in the world compared to other oil-producing countries.

"You pay RM1.99 (per litre for subsidised RON95 petrol). In one year, I have to find RM40 billion to cover the fuel (subsidy) expenses. That is why (the price of) fuel in Malaysia is among the lowest in the world.

"(Comparing Malaysia to others), Brunei is only slightly lower, but others like Saudi Arabia and Qatar (global oil-producing nations) all have higher (prices) than us," he said at the Malam Harapan programme at the Pay Fong High School Hall here tonight.

Also present were Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) President Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and DAP National Deputy Chairman Nga Kor Ming.

Elaborating further, Anwar, who is also the Pakatan Harapan (PH) Chairman, said the government's step to allocate fuel subsidies was driven by a sense of responsibility toward the trust of the people who elected PH to administer the country.

"It is not because I am smart, but because the people stand together with us (PH). The people understand; they pay a low price (for fuel)... but they (the people) know this nation must be saved," he said.

The Finance Minister added that the current government is saddled with debt due to misappropriation carried out by previous administrations, affecting people of all races.

"(The case of) 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB)... when there is debt, who pays for it? Malays have to pay, Chinese have to pay, Indians have to pay, Sabah and Sarawak have to pay.

"Then there is Felda, belonging to the Malays. Every year, the government has to cover nearly RM1 billion (in Felda's debt). Why? Because these people stole the money... Tabung Haji, RM10 billion went missing," he said.

The Malam Harapan programme is part of a series of events attended by the Prime Minister in Melaka today, including the PH campaign in conjunction with the 16th Melaka State Election.

The Election Commission has fixed Nov 14 as polling day for the Melaka state election, while early voting is set for Nov 10.

For the latest updates on the 16th Melaka State Election, visit https://election.bernama.com/prn/melaka/2026.

-- BERNAMA