The government has implemented targeted measures to ease rising living costs, including lower business rents, expanded subsidised sales, and direct financial support for farmers. Federal agencies like MARA and UDA will reduce rental rates, while the Jualan Rahmah MADANI programme will now be held weekly in every state constituency. Additionally, farmers will receive an RM200 advance per hectare to stabilise food production, with cloud seeding operations intensified in northern Kedah.
The government has rolled out targeted measures to ease rising living costs , including lower business rents , expanded subsidised sales , and direct financial support for farmers.
Federal agencies, including Majlis Amanah Rakyat and Uda Holdings Bhd , will reduce rental rates for their business premises starting this month. At the same time, Anwar has called on all state governments and local authorities to follow suit. He pointed to Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur and the Selangor government as early examples already implementing similar reductions. For small traders, rent is one of the highest fixed costs.
Lowering it gives them more room to absorb rising supply prices without passing those costs on to customers. The Jualan Rahmah MADANI programme is being significantly expanded to improve access to affordable essentials. Instead of occasional sales, the programme will now be held once every week in every state assembly constituency. These sales typically offer essential goods at 10% to 30% below market prices, giving households a more predictable way to manage grocery spending.
There is also a shift in focus, with more events planned in rural and village areas, and stronger participation from small traders rather than just large suppliers. To stabilise food production, especially rice supply, the government is providing direct financial support to farmers. An RM200 advance per hectare has been approved under the Special Ploughing Incentive Rate, benefiting 240,000 registered paddy farmers nationwide.
The allocation, amounting to RM48 million, is meant to help farmers cover upfront costs such as machinery rental, particularly as commercial diesel prices rise. In response to prolonged dry weather in northern Kedah, the Royal Malaysian Air Force, with support from the Fire and Rescue Department, has also been tasked to intensify cloud seeding operations. Beyond helping consumers, the government is also pushing to ensure that smaller businesses benefit directly from these initiatives.
Anwar has stressed that Jualan Rahmah should not be dominated by large corporations, calling for greater inclusion of small-scale traders as vendors. This creates an additional sales channel for micro-businesses, helping them reach more customers and maintain cash flow during uncertain economic conditions. While these measures are targeted, Anwar acknowledged the broader fiscal pressure facing the government.
Malaysia is currently spending an additional RM5 billion each month on fuel and diesel subsidies alone, underscoring the challenge of balancing public assistance with long-term financial sustainability. For now, the approach is focused on immediate relief, reducing daily costs, stabilising food supply, and keeping small businesses afloat, rather than sweeping structural changes. Read the full storyWith 24,100 jobs lost in the first quarter this year, firms say early attrition remains a hidden challenge in service...
By 2040, Older Malaysians Will Outspend Youth For The First Time. Here’s Why That Matters NowRead the full storyA new government report breaks down the financial life cycle of Malaysians, from years of deficit to peak earning pow... The government has confirmed public holidays on 31 May and 1 June for Hari Wesak and the official birthday of the Yan... By 2040, Older Malaysians Will Outspend Youth For The First Time.
Here’s Why That Matters NowOver 4,700 Malaysians Lost Jobs In Just 16 Days In April, Minister Warns Q2 Will Be “Crucial”Malaysia Won’t Rush Fuel Subsidy Changes Despite Middle East Crisis, Says Deputy PM
Living Costs Business Rents Subsidised Sales Farmers Cloud Seeding
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Tabung Haji Introduces Dynamic Rotation System for Hajj PilgrimsLembaga Tabung Haji is implementing a major transformation with the Dynamic Rotation System, prioritizing readiness over registration date for Hajj pilgrims. The new system requires a minimum savings of RM15,000 and optimal health to ensure pilgrims are fully prepared, reducing last-minute rejections and improving logistical planning.
Read more »
Anwar says austerity measures won’t hit healthcare or hiring of new doctorsPUTRAJAYA, May 4 — Austerity measures that could see billions of ringgit slashed from several ministries will not affect core programmes, including critical healthcare services...
Read more »
Perak State Government Allocates RM3.7 Million for Affordable Goods InitiativeThe Perak state government is launching a program to help residents access essential goods at lower prices due to the global energy crisis and rising living costs. The initiative includes subsidized sales of dry and wet goods, at least 5% cheaper than local market prices, through various programs across the state. A total of RM3.7 million has been allocated for 2026.
Read more »
Umno to remain in Negri unity government, says Ahmad ZahidMay 4 (Reuters) - Meta Platforms is working on a roughly $13 billion financing package for a data center in El Paso, Texas, led by Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan Chase, Bloomberg News reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter.
Read more »
Government Directs Rental Rate Reductions for Small BusinessesThe Malaysian government is urging local authorities and state governments to lower rental rates for small businesses, particularly hawkers and petty traders, to alleviate financial pressures caused by rising costs. Government-linked companies like Mara and Uda Holdings will begin implementing reductions this month.
Read more »
Government Announces Financial Aid for Padi FarmersThe Malaysian government will provide an advance payment of RM200 per hectare to padi farmers nationwide, benefiting nearly 240,000 registered farmers with a total financial implication of RM48 million. This aid aims to help farmers cover upfront costs for ploughing machinery and address rising fuel and input costs.
Read more »