STR and SARA cash aid total RM16 billion for about 13 million Malaysians; fuel subsidies are the pressure point
STR and SARA cash aid total RM16 billion for about 13 million Malaysians (Business Today, NST). Subsidies, aid and incentives exceed RM80 billion. Fuel subsidies reached about RM40 billion in 2026 because of the West Asia crisis. CIMB expects petrol and diesel subsidies to fall by about RM9 billion to RM32 billion. Reuters-based reports said the Budget comes ahead of a possible election.
Subsidies are the largest swing item in the deficit.
Check your eligibility for STR and SARA on the Finance Ministry or Inland Revenue Board sites.
Targeted aid helps those most in need.
Critics say fuel subsidies still benefit higher earners.
DailyDrop found nothing on RON95 prices; do not trust forwarded claims.
DailyDrop Malaysia edition No. 6 · Morning · SAT., OCT. 10, 2026