Why the Cost of Living Feels High in Malaysia in 2026
Headline inflation is moderate, yet many Malaysians feel prices are rising. Here is what the data shows about the cost of living in 2026.
#cost of living
26 stories tagged
PJRM Brings Affordable Essentials to Remote Orang Asli Community in Gua Musang
Over 1,000 Temiar Orang Asli residents at Pasik Resettlement Scheme in Gua Musang now access cheaper essentials through the Rahmah MADANI Sales Programme, eliminating costly two-hour journeys to distant towns.
Wan Fayhsal warns of potential 'Blue Tsunami' sweep in GE16 as voter sentiment shifts
A senior Wawasan official has cautioned that Malaysia's next general election could see a dramatic shift in voter preferences, with the BN-PN alliance potentially gaining substantial ground as public confidence in the current administration wanes.
UK Fuel Theft Surges to £200,000 Daily as War Drives Pump Prices Higher
Fuel theft across UK petrol stations has escalated dramatically since the Iran conflict began in February, with drivers stealing nearly £200,000 worth daily. The surge reflects both increased theft incidents and sharply elevated pump prices.
Japan Slashes Food Tax to Combat Inflation, Setting Precedent After Three Decades
Japan will temporarily reduce food consumption tax from 8% to 1% beginning April 2025, marking the first cut since the levy's introduction in 1989. The two-year measure aims to ease cost-of-living pressures amid persistent inflation.
Beyond the ballot: why retirement age 65 matters more to Negri Sembilan than seat counts
As Negri Sembilan prepares for state elections dominated by talk of the 36-seat majority threshold, economists and policymakers argue that extending retirement age to 65 deserves equal attention for its profound impact on Malaysian households.
Jualan MADANI KUSKOP Expands Into Sabah's Remote Communities
The Jualan MADANI KUSKOP initiative is spreading to more isolated villages across Sabah, bringing discounted essential goods and promotional offers to communities with limited retail access, as the programme records strong uptake nationwide.
Negeri Sembilan Voters Demand Accessible Leaders and Real Solutions, Survey Shows
As Negeri Sembilan enters its state election campaign, voters are signalling they want leaders who are genuinely accessible and capable of delivering tangible improvements to daily life, particularly on cost of living and rural development.
Government To Boost SARA Assistance Amid Cost-of-Living Pressures
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has pledged to increase the SARA cash assistance programme in the near future to help Malaysians cope with mounting expenses, contingent on favourable economic conditions.
Britain's New Prime Minister Pledges Electricity Tax Cuts to Ease Cost Crisis
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham's government has announced plans to reduce taxes on electricity bills, signalling a direct intervention in household energy costs as it seeks to fulfil campaign commitments on alleviating the cost-of-living squeeze across the nation.
UK's New Prime Minister Burnham Asserts Control with Major Cabinet Reshuffle
Andy Burnham assumed the British premiership Monday, overhauling his cabinet by removing allies of his predecessor and unveiling a decade-spanning economic plan targeting household cost pressures, whilst positioning his government towards the political left.
UK's New Prime Minister Shelves Digital ID Plan, Pivots to Cost-of-Living Crisis
Britain's incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham has cancelled a £1.8 billion digital identity scheme, redirecting funds to tackle the cost-of-living crisis gripping the nation. The move reflects public opposition to ID cards and Burnham's focus on economic relief.
Labour's Andy Burnham Takes Helm as Britain's PM, Pledges to 'Rewire' Nation
Andy Burnham, the former Manchester mayor known as the 'King of the North', has assumed the role of British Prime Minister on Monday, promising sweeping reforms to address the cost-of-living crisis and underperforming public services.
Small Firms and Local Contractors Get 300 Litres Monthly Diesel Quota Under Targeted Subsidy
Malaysia's Domestic Trade Ministry has approved a 300-litre monthly diesel quota for small companies and local contractors operating under partnership or sole proprietorship structures, delivered via fleet cards to cushion business operating costs.
Government Spends RM238.64 Million on MADANI Rahmah Subsidy Programme in First Seven Months
The government has allocated RM238.64 million to the MADANI Rahmah Sales Programme between January and mid-July, recording more than 21 million transactions across 17,000 events nationwide as it works to ease the cost of living.
SARA Assistance Programme Hits 99% Uptake, RM3.45 Billion Spent in 2024
Malaysia's SARA assistance programme has achieved 99% uptake among nearly nine million recipients, with spending reaching RM3.45 billion this year. The cashless scheme demonstrates strong effectiveness in supporting low-income groups.
Government Deploys PAKW Framework to Bridge Urban-Rural Living Cost Divide
Malaysia's government is leveraging the PAKW basic living expenditure framework to design targeted interventions addressing the widening cost-of-living gap between urban and rural areas, with significant variations identified across states.
Finance Ministry to Study SST Exemption for Elderly Care Centres
Malaysia's Finance Ministry and Women, Family and Community Development Ministry are jointly examining a proposal to exempt elderly care centres from the 8% Sales and Service Tax, responding to concerns about rising costs for families.
Pakatan Harapan's Johor Blueprint Targets Cost of Living Through Integrated Policy Framework
Pakatan Harapan's Johor manifesto emphasises implementable commitments rather than one-off promises, featuring a public monitoring dashboard and integrated approach to tackling the cost of living through affordable housing, healthcare and transport initiatives.
Johor Voters in Bukit Batu Demand Action on Living Costs and Roads
Voters in Johor's Bukit Batu state seat are calling on candidates and the incoming government to tackle inflation, create better-paying jobs, and fix deteriorating infrastructure as the 16th state election approaches on July 11.
PSM's Skudai Candidate Puts Cost of Living at Centre of Johor Election Campaign
Parti Sosialis Malaysia's only candidate in Johor's state election is prioritising cost of living and fair wages in Skudai, drawing on two decades of grassroots activism to address local economic pressures.
KPDN To Review Support Mechanisms For Peninsular Island Communities Dependent On Private Boats
Malaysia's Ministry of Domestic Trade will examine ways to support island communities in Peninsular Malaysia that depend on private boats for daily transport, particularly regarding fuel assistance under the BUDI MADANI scheme.
Parliament Tackles SUHAKAM Reform and Cost-of-Living Concerns
The Dewan Rakyat is focusing on proposed amendments to strengthen SUHAKAM's financial independence and addressing the widening disconnect between inflation statistics and everyday household expenses.
BUDI Diesel Subsidy Expands To 700,000 Vehicle Owners At RM2.10 Per Litre
Malaysia launches expanded BUDI MADANI Diesel subsidy on July 1, benefiting 700,000 private vehicle owners nationwide with diesel priced at RM2.10 per litre, significantly broadening the previous BUDI Diesel Individu programme.
15,881 Rahmah MADANI Sales Events Held Nationwide in First Half of 2025
The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living has conducted over 15,800 Rahmah MADANI Sales events nationwide through June, reaching every state constituency and Federal Territory zone as part of efforts to ease the public's cost of living.
Parliament To Debate State Funding Fairness And Election Project Announcement Ban
Malaysia's parliament today examines complaints over unequal federal allocations to states and whether restrictions on announcing government projects during elections remain enforceable ahead of three state polls.