Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has defended Malaysia’s current fuel prices, arguing that they remain lower than those in major oil-producing countries such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Speaking during the Prime Minister’s Question Time (PMQT) in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday, Anwar said fuel price comparisons should be made with fellow oil-producing nations rather than countries that do not produce oil, as their economic circumstances are different.
“Don’t compare Malaysia with countries that are not oil producers. The proper comparison is with Qatar and Saudi Arabia,” he said.
Anwar noted that petrol in Malaysia is currently priced at RM1.99 per litre, while fuel prices in Saudi Arabia have risen to more than RM2.40 per litre. He also recalled that when calls were previously made to lower petrol prices to RM1.50 per litre, fuel in Saudi Arabia cost only around 50 sen per litre.
The Prime Minister was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Rosol Wahid (PN-Hulu Terengganu), who raised concerns over current fuel prices and compared them with prices during the administration of former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, said the current government is providing greater financial assistance to Malaysians than previous administrations.
He pointed to programmes such as Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR), the BUDI targeted fuel subsidy, and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) as key initiatives contributing to increased government support for the people.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that managing the economy requires continuous improvements and welcomed constructive suggestions on how fuel prices and economic challenges could be better addressed.
“If there are better proposals on how we can reduce fuel prices, I have no problem listening. We don’t claim to have all the answers. We must continue listening, making adjustments and improving our policies,” he said.
Anwar added that discussions at the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) involve not only ministers but also representatives from companies, industry players and farmers to ensure government policies reflect the needs of the people and the economy.
