PETALING JAYA: Amid anticipation over the looming RON95 petrol subsidy rationalisation, petrol dealers say there are still varying stages of preparedness among different oil companies.
Petroleum Dealers Association of Malaysia president Datuk Khairul Annuar Abdul Aziz said active discussions are still being held with the relevant ministries and companies.
“We remain engaged with the authorities and stakeholders to ensure that when the time comes, the interests of dealers and the smoothness of operations are safeguarded,” he said when contacted.
Khairul Annuar added that they have yet to receive any direct confirmation from the authorities, be it the Finance Ministry or the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, on the exact implementation date for the petrol rationalisation plan.
On preparations among dealers, Khairul Annuar said he could not comment publicly on specifics due to the sensitivity and ongoing nature of the engagements.
“We are carefully balancing our role in discussions, with the need to keep the public informed.
“Once there is clearer guidance or confirmed timelines from the government, we will be glad to share a fuller perspective.”
In July this year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that under the targeted fuel subsidy scheme to be implemented this month, eligible Malaysians would pay RM1.99 per litre for RON95 petrol, compared with the current price of RM2.05.
“Once implemented, the government will reduce the price of RON95 petrol to RM1.99 per litre exclusively for Malaysian citizens, while foreign nationals will have to pay the unsubsidised market price,” he said in a special announcement.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the initiative will benefit around 18 million motorists and motorcyclists.
Meanwhile, the Finance Ministry on Aug 19 said the eligibility criteria and mechanism for the RON95 subsidy rationalisation plan is being fine-tuned.
In a written parliamentary reply, the ministry said the government is committed to implementing it in the second half of 2025.
It said the eligibility criteria is based on multiple data sources, including income data from the Inland Revenue Board and the Household Income Survey from the Statistics Department.
“Additional criteria including properties and luxury cars, will also be considered on top of monthly income, before a final decision is made and announced by the end of September,” the ministry said.
