KUALA LUMPUR, Sept. 9 -- Malaysia's expanded fuel subsidy programmes and targeted cash handouts have helped cushion consumers and small businesses from the sharpest impacts of rising living costs, according to the Malaysia Retail Industry Report for September 2026.

The quarterly report, published by Retail Group Malaysia (RGM) based on a survey of members from the Malaysia Retailers Association (MRA) and Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA), noted that targeted fuel assistance has played a crucial role in stabilising operational overheads.

In particular, the Budi Diesel scheme, rolled out on July 1, has assisted small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by allowing eligible motorists to purchase subsidised B10 diesel at RM2.10 per litre, ...