PADAWAN, Sarawak, 13 April 2026 – The Malaysian government is ramping up its flagship cost-of-living intervention, the Program Jualan Rahmah Madani (PJRM), while extending subsidised RON95 petrol to passenger boats in Sarawak under the Sistem Kawalan Petrol Bersubsidi (SKPS).
In a media statement issued yesterday, Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, Datuk Armizan bin Mohd Ali, said the government remains committed to proactive and targeted measures to shield Malaysians, especially low- and middle-income households, from rising living costs.
Under the strengthened PJRM, the programme now covers all 600 state constituencies (DUN) nationwide, including 40 zones in the Federal Territories, with a minimum of three sales events per DUN every month. Shoppers enjoy discounts of 10 to 30 percent below prevailing local market prices on essential items such as rice, cooking oil, sugar, flour, eggs, chicken and other daily necessities.
From 1 January to 31 March 2026, a total of 7,320 PJRM events were held across the country, recording 7,387,213 transactions. In Sarawak alone, 775 events attracted 761,398 transactions — a strong indicator of the programme’s effectiveness in reaching the target groups.
“PJRM has proven to be an efficient mechanism to intervene in the cost of living,” the minister said, adding that the approach aligns with the Madani government’s pledge that no one is left behind in accessing affordable basic goods.
Datuk Armizan noted that the government will further expand PJRM’s coverage and frequency in response to the global energy crisis triggered by conflicts in West Asia, which threaten supply chains and logistics costs.
Subsidised Petrol Extended to Sarawak’s Passenger Boats
In a related move to support essential services, the SKPS in Sarawak has been expanded since 9 October 2025 to include passenger boats operating under the water public transport sector.
Previously limited to land-based public transport and goods vehicles, the scheme now benefits 29 registered companies under the Lembaga Sungai-Sungai Sarawak. Approved operators can purchase subsidised RON95 petrol at RM2.05 per litre.
The minister explained that the extension recognises the critical role of river transport as the main lifeline for many communities in Sarawak.
“This initiative will help reduce operating costs for boat operators, ensuring that water public transport remains competitive and fares stay affordable for the people who depend on these services,” he added.
The dual announcements underscore the government’s continued efforts to cushion the impact of external economic pressures on ordinary Malaysians through direct, targeted assistance.
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