The government continues to be committed to improve the policies related to reducing the cost of living that are being implemented besides introducing new ones to help the people, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
As such, the prime minister said, the government was always open to hear the views of various quarters.
"Addressing the cost of living is a top priority for every family and hence the government introduces various ways and approaches to reduce it.
"Maybe it is not comprehensive but we have made every efforts. Some of them are known and some are not, some directly and indirectly," he said when officiating the Pemikir Muda Malaysia round table discussion on cost of living in Bangi today.
Citing the higher education sector as an example, he said there was already an element of government subsidy being enjoyed by students such as zero hike in tuition fees in the universities.
In fact, Najib said on the average, the government borne 90 per cent of the cost of higher education in the country while students only paid 10 per cent of the total cost.
"Even for the 10 per cent, the government is providing loan from the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) and some students are even given scholarships," he said.
He said in Malaysia, the democratisation of education or access to quality higher education is not dependent on one's financial capability but on the desire and determination of an individual to study.
He said this was unlike many other countries where the people could not afford to further their studies to higher levels due to the high cost of education.
"But in Malaysia, even those from poor families can set foot in universities as our policy believes in the potential of every human to the highest possible level.
Najib also touched on the health services provided by the government such as the 1Malaysia clinics and government hospitals in which charges on people seeking treatment were minimal.
He said the government also provided affordable houses to the people with a target of building one million units of affordable houses in five years, including those especially built for youths.
"We have the Youth Housing Scheme in which the government gives RM200 to 20,000 married youths for the first two years to reduce their monthly housing instalment and a 50 per cent exemption on stamp duty on their housing loan agreement," he said.
Najib said various other policies and measures introduced by the government covered various areas such as public transport and entrepreneur funding which could assist the people reduce the cost of living.
Also present at the ceremony were the Prime Minister's wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Malaysian Young Thinkers Youth Organisation president Mohd Rafiq Naizamohideen and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Noor Azlan Ghazali.
Bernama
Sat May 09 2015
NAJIB: Addressing the cost of living is a top priority for every family and hence the government introduces various ways and approaches to reduce it. - File Photo
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.