PUTRAJAYA: The upcoming 2025 Budget will focus on managing the rising cost of living, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said that the government would not shirk its responsibility to provide comfort to the people.
"One very concerning issue is the public's worry about the rising cost of living.
"Although I can mention that sugar, oil, and flour, fuel prices are among the cheapest in the region, I do not deny that the Malaysian public still feels burdened," he said at the Finance Ministry's monthly assembly, here.
Also present were Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying, and Treasury secretary-general Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican.
Anwar said the budget would also address the problems of cartels, monopolies, and the cause of price increases.
"Therefore, I ask that in this budget, besides the issues we are discussing, we also address the problems of cartels, monopolies, and the causes of price increases.
"In terms of fertilisers, seeds, and everything else, we must address these issues where the Finance Ministry, especially as the planners, must think across ministries where its experience, whether in the enforcement or policy planning, will provide a better understanding," Anwar said, adding that it was not possible to seek ways to reduce the prices of goods.
The 2025 Budget will be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat on Oct 18.
The Finance Ministry in its pre-budget statement previously said it will focus on three short-term priorities to realise the goals of the Madani Economy.
It is raising the ceiling in terms of economic restructuring towards greater competitiveness and higher value-added activities, raising the floor in terms of improving the quality of life and inclusiveness of opportunities, and strengthening governance and public delivery.