The targeted BUDI MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) fuel subsidy has now been rolled out, allowing only Malaysians with a valid driving license to enjoy the RON95 price of RM1.99 per litre, capped at 300 litres per month under the BUDI95 quota.
As we’ve reported earlier, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the unity government has taken a bold step with the country’s first truly targeted fuel subsidy, aimed at making the use of national resources fairer.
M’sians complain about the hassle of showing their MyKad when refuelling
In response to public complaints about the hassle of showing a MyKad when refuelling, Loke explained that the step is necessary to make sure subsidies truly benefit Malaysian citizens, as reported by Sin Chew Daily.
Speaking at the Full Moon Mid-Autumn Festival, he said the move isn’t meant to inconvenience people, but rather to help the government save billions of ringgit each year.
“It may take an extra minute or two at the pump, but those savings can benefit more people. That’s why everyone’s small cooperation is important for the country’s progress,” he said.
Anthony Loke
“It could be channelled into more urgent needs”
Loke pointed out that in the past, even foreigners were entitled to fuel subsidies, which cost the country billions of ringgit.
He said if resources are managed properly, the savings could be channelled into more urgent needs like healthcare and elderly welfare.
He also explained that the new measures are being introduced after years of resource mismanagement that led to massive waste.
“In the past, people always said the government only raised prices and never reduced them. But now, at least petrol prices have gone down, and the subsidy is targeted to citizens, so only MyKad holders can benefit,” he added.
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