Hanafiah bin Mat is a Malaysian politician who has served as Member of the Terengganu State Executive Council (EXCO) in the Gagasan Sejahtera (GS) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) state administration under Menteri Besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar since May 2018 and Member of the Terengganu State Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Cukai since May 2013. He is a member and Division Deputy Chief of Kemaman of the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), a component party of the PN and formerly GS as well as Pakatan Rakyat (PR) coalitions. His alleged insult at the 'Menu Rahmah' initiative and call to abandon the targeted diesel subsidy policy were controversial and widely criticised by Malaysians.
Controversies and issues Alleged insult at Menu Rahmah
Call to abandon targeted diesel subsidy On 28 May 2024, Hanafiah called on the federal government and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to abandon the policy of targeted diesel subsidy that was set to be implemented. He argued in a video posted on TikTok that the policy would increase the burden and costs of fishing for him and other fishing enthusiasts, negatively affecting their recreational activity. He further explained that they participate in fishing to unwind and relax after working hard, rather than to earn a living. His call was widely criticised by the netizens who pointed out that subsidies are meant to provide assistance and relief to the groups and fishermen in need, not to support recreational fishing. They argued that subsidising his hobby would be a waste of resources, benefiting wealthy people, foreigners and smugglers instead of those truly in need.
Election results
+ Terengganu State Legislative Assembly Percentage figures based on total turnout. Percentage figures based on total turnout.YearConstituencyVotesPctOpponent(s)VotesPctBallots castMajorityTurnout2008N31 Cukai Hanafiah Mat (PAS) 8,772 47.90%Mohd Awang Tera (UMNO) 9,541 52.10% 18,530 769 81.00%2013 Hanafiah Mat (PAS) 12,457 55.44%Wan Ahmad Nizam Wan Abdul Hamid (UMNO) 10,011 44.56% 22,707 2,446 85.20%2018 Hanafiah Mat (PAS) 12,428 49.56%Mohd Awang Tera (UMNO) 7,547 30.09% 25,396 4,881 83.60%Wan Mohd Anies Wan Mohd Adnan (PKR) 5,104 20.35%2023Hanafiah Mat (PAS)18,39464.13%Mohamad Rahim Hussin (UMNO)10,28835.87%28,8238,10673.56%
Honours
Knight Commander of the Order of the Crown of Terengganu (DPMT) – Dato' (2025) Companion of the Order of Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu (SMZ) (2022)
References
Notes