Budget 2025 to focus on addressing cost of living pressures, says PM

KUALA LUMPUR: The 2025 Budget must focus on efforts to address public concerns about reducing the cost of living, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

According to Berita Harian, he stated that it is the government’s responsibility to provide comfort to citizens still affected by the high cost of living.

“One major concern is the public’s worry about the rising cost of living,” he said. “Therefore, I request that in this budget, in addition to the issues we have discussed, we also address problems related to cartels, monopolies, and the reasons behind rising prices.”

He made these remarks while delivering a speech at the Monthly Assembly with the Ministry of Finance staff today.

Also present were Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying, and Treasury Secretary-General Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican.

Anwar emphasized that the Ministry of Finance, as the primary planner, must consider cross-ministerial efforts and seek methods and solutions to reduce the cost of living for the people.

He explained that the rising cost of living is partly due to issues such as leakage, corruption, smuggling, and cartels.

“I do not deny the increase in the cost of living, even though I can mention that our sugar, oil, and flour are the cheapest. However, Malaysians still feel burdened and do not compare their situation with Singapore or Indonesia,” he said.

“This also applies to fertilizers, seeds, and other items that need to be addressed. The Ministry of Finance, especially the planners, must consider cross-ministerial approaches,” he added.