THE classification of those eligible for the proposed targeted RON95 petrol subsidy will be announced by the first quarter of 2025, says Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli.
“We plan for it to be announced then. This comprises determining and classifying the eligible groups,” he told the Dewan Rakyat.
He said there is a proposed mechanism allowing ineligible recipients to submit appeals in order to receive the subsidy.
“We need to resolve this first before it is implemented. The first half of next year will focus on identifying those eligible and the appeal period,” he said.
Rafizi said there are two main components towards the rollout of rationalised RON95 subsidy – the back end which determines who is eligible and the front end which involves petrol stations, he explained.
“The agreement so far is that the Economy Ministry will determine who is eligible while the Finance Ministry handles the implementation by petrol stations,” he said.
Rafizi said the household net disposable income will be used to identify those eligible for the subsidy to ensure a more accurate and fair approach in determining those qualifying for subsidies and social aid.
“The data will be obtained from the Central Database Hub,” he said, adding that even with the rationalisation in place, the majority of Malaysians will continue to enjoy the subsidy.
Rafizi was responding to questions by Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin (PN-Putrajaya) who asked on the implementation of rationalised RON95 subsidy and the time frame in which the government will announce the criteria for those eligible.
When tabling Budget 2025, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that targeted subsidy for RON95 petrol would be implemented by mid-2025.
Anwar said that 85% of the population will continue to receive the subsidy.
