Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has rejected proposals to raise fuel prices amid ongoing global supply uncertainties, stressing that the government will continue shouldering fuel subsidy costs to protect Malaysians from rising living expenses.
Anwar said the government remains committed to maintaining fuel subsidies despite the significant financial burden involved.
He revealed that monthly fuel subsidy expenditures have fluctuated sharply in line with global oil price movements, ranging from RM3 billion to as high as RM7 billion a month before easing to around RM4 billion to RM5 billion currently.
According to the Prime Minister, while the costs are substantial, the government has managed to sustain the subsidy programme through fiscal discipline, savings measures and efforts to curb leakages in public finances.
Anwar also dismissed suggestions that the government should borrow funds to continue financing fuel subsidies, arguing that increased debt would ultimately burden future generations.
“If we borrow now and leave the debt behind, it will be our children who have to repay it,” he said, adding that the government must operate within its means while ensuring public welfare remains protected.
