PUTRAJAYA, July 24 — The M40 group also benefits from government initiatives aimed at reducing the cost of living, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar, who is also finance minister, said initiatives like the reduction in RON95 fuel price and the postponement of toll rate hikes for 10 highways nationwide are among the benefits the middle-income earners stand to gain.
Speaking at the Finance Ministry's monthly assembly here today, he said this is because members of the M40 group are among the most frequent users of vehicles and toll roads.
“So, if the M40 group says we’re only focusing on the B40, the truth is we began with the hardcore poor, then (expanded support) to the B40, and are now moving up to the M40. That’s the situation.
“That’s why I’ve said we need to be patient with the implementation. At the very least, the RON95 and toll initiatives offer tangible benefits for the M40 group and above,” he said.
Yesterday, in a televised announcement, the prime minister said the government has agreed to postpone toll rate hikes for 10 highways to allow the public to continue enjoying the current rates.
Among the highways involved are the Senai-Desaru Expressway (SDE), East Coast Expressway 2 (LPT2), South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE), Butterworth Outer Ring Road (LLB) and the KL-Putrajaya Expressway (MEX).
Anwar also announced that RON95 fuel prices would be reduced following the implementation of the targeted fuel subsidy plan, with Malaysians expected to enjoy a lower price of RM1.99 per litre compared to the current RM2.05 per litre.
A detailed announcement on the mechanism is expected to be made by the end of September.
— Bernama
