The decision to cancel the third phase of the Klang Valley MRT project follows the axing of the RM110 billion Singapore-KL high-speed train project.
Speaking to the press after chairing the weekly Cabinet meeting today, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said it has been decided that the MRT Line 3 project will be cancelled.
He also announced that the Permata Negara early education programme under the patronage of Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor will now be put under the Ministry of Education.
As for the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim), a committee will be formed to evaluate if it will remain as it is now or if it will be revived to its original purpose.
“We will ensure that it will not portray Islam as a cruel and inconsiderate religion. That is not what Islam is,” Mahathir said.
He announced that the government was setting up a special fund called “Tabung Harapan Malaysia” (THM) to allow Malaysians to contribute towards helping settle the country’s staggering debt of RM1 trillion.
“We know some Malaysians want to help and we welcome such efforts,” he said.
THM contributions can be deposited into Maybank account number 566010626452.
The prime minister said pump prices of RON95 and diesel have been fixed, but market forces will determine the retail price for RON97.
The pump price for RON95 is now RM2.20 per litre, RON97 (RM2.47) and diesel (RM2.18).
Finally, highway concessionaires nationwide will give a 50% discount two days before Hari Raya.