Anwar quotes Thirukkural, opens purse for Deepavali

SHAH ALAM - Budget day got poetic when Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim channelled Tamil literature energy, quoting the Thirukkural while announcing an early RM2 billion cash drop for Malaysians just in time for Deepavali.

Forget dull budget talk, Anwar just gave Malaysians a Deepavali surprise and a dose of ancient wisdom.

During his Budget 2026 presentation, the Finance Minister said the government knows the struggle is real with the rising cost of living, even though the economy looks fine on paper.

“Although the economic figures appear reassuring, we acknowledge that the cost of living continues to rise and has become burdensome,” he said.

To ease that, Anwar confirmed that this year, RM13 billion is being poured into the Rahmah Cash Contribution (STR) and Rahmah Basic Contribution (SARA); helping almost nine million people.

And here is the festive bonus which the STR phase 4 payment worth RM2 billion, which was supposed to drop in November, is being pushed forward to Oct 18.

That means extra cash before Deepavali lights up the nation.

If that’s not enough good news, road users also get a break: the government approved a 50 per cent toll discount for two days during the celebration.

Then, in classic Anwar fashion, he got philosophical, quoting a line from the Thirukkural:

“Joy and hardship may come and go, but steadfastness of the heart remains the highest mark of human virtue.”

Basically, a reminder that life’s ups and downs are temporary but strong hearts and early cash aid always win.