KUALA LUMPUR: The government may increase cash aid for 9 million Malaysians from RM8 billion this year to RM10 billion next year if the move to implement targeted subsidies is proven successful.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government spent RM64 billion on subsidies this year.
"However, the current needs for the country stands at RM81 billion, the highest among the countries in the world.
"There is a need to review the effectiveness of the implementation; as I've mentioned before even the super rich people and some 3.5 million foreigners have been enjoying (the subsidies)," he told Dewan Rakyat during the tabling of the 2024 Budget here today.
On eggs and chicken subsidies, he said the government has agreed to impose floating prices, with details to be announced soon.