PM: M40 Will Benefit From Cheaper Fuel, Frozen Toll Rates

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has assured that the M40 income group will also benefit from ongoing government efforts to ease the cost of living.

Speaking at the Finance Ministry’s monthly assembly, Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, said recent initiatives such as the planned reduction in RON95 fuel prices and the postponement of toll hikes are particularly relevant to the M40 group.

He pointed out that the M40 group is among the most frequent users of private vehicles and tolled highways, making them direct beneficiaries of these policies.

Responding to concerns that government aid has mostly focused on the lower-income segment, Anwar explained that support has been introduced in stages. It started with the hardcore poor, expanded to the B40, and is now reaching the M40.

“These things take time. We started with those in deepest need and are now progressing to those slightly better off. So when people say we’re only focusing on the B40, actually, we’re already moving up. The M40 group is now also feeling the impact of these policies,” he said.

This follows Anwar’s recent “Appreciation Announcement for Malaysians,” where he confirmed that toll rates on 10 major highways will remain unchanged this year.

These include the Cheras-Kajang Expressway (GRANDSAGA), Kuala Lumpur-Kuala Selangor Expressway (LATAR), New North Klang Straits Bypass (NNKSB), Senai-Desaru Expressway (SDE), East Coast Expressway 2 (LPT2), South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE), Penang Second Bridge (JSAHMS), Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE), Kuala Lumpur-Putrajaya Expressway (MEX) and Butterworth Outer Ring Road (LLB).

The toll freeze, backed by RM500 Million in government funding, is part of a broader strategy to ease daily living costs.

Anwar also reaffirmed that under the targeted fuel subsidy plan, RON95 prices will drop to RM1.99 per litre by the end of Sept for 18 million eligible MyKad holders, compared to the current RM2.05 per litre.

These efforts complement the new Time of Use electricity billing system, which is expected to benefit 85 percent of Malaysians, particularly EV users who charge their vehicles during off-peak hours.