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Malaysia is raising unsubsidised fuel prices by 20 sen per litre from July 30 amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Subsidised petrol and diesel remain unchanged as the government shields lower-income households.
Malaysia's government has decided against revising its fiscal projections for Budget 2027 despite rising oil prices inflating subsidy costs by RM40 billion in the first half of 2026, according to Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong.
A Public Accounts Committee investigation has uncovered RM10.879 billion in cooking oil subsidies that failed to reach intended beneficiaries from 2019 to February 2025, exposing critical gaps in subsidy administration and enforcement.
The government has allocated RM238.64 million to the MADANI Rahmah Sales Programme since January, facilitating over 21 million transactions nationwide. More than 17,000 sales events have been held, with authorities aiming to expand to 30,000 by year-end.
Malaysia's government will maintain all existing subsidies and cash assistance programmes despite bearing nearly RM40 billion in petroleum product subsidies this year due to regional tensions, Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong confirmed.
Malaysia has kept food prices stable despite Middle East disruptions by boosting agricultural subsidies and building emergency food reserves. The government increased diesel support for farmers and ploughing incentives while stockpiling essentials.
Malaysia's domestic trade ministry will examine ways to support island communities in Peninsular Malaysia that depend on private boats for transport, and review procedures to include registered elderly care homes in diesel subsidy programmes.