Malaysia election 2022: PM Anwar Ibrahim says subsidies must be targeted to low-income people
- Government agencies will have two weeks to review the implications of narrowing the subsidies, Anwar told a news conference
- Meanwhile, the new PM said he will discuss cabinet appointments with his coalition partners in the next few days
Malaysia is reviewing its government subsidies programme, aiming to direct money toward low-income groups, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Sunday, prioritising the rising cost of living as he takes office at a time of slowing growth.
Government agencies have two weeks to review the implications of narrowing the subsidies, he told a news conference.
Malaysia offers subsidies to all citizens, with fuel and cooking oil accounting for the biggest expense. It also subsidises electricity, sugar and flour.
“Subsidies must be targeted, otherwise those subsidies are enjoyed not just by the low income group but also the wealthy,” said Anwar, who emerged as leader of the Southeast Asian nation after a closely fought election last week.
Other incentives will be considered for industries that no longer benefit from subsidies, he said.