PETALING JAYA: With just a week to go before the rollout of the Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95) programme on Sept 30, the government has been told to ensure that there are no glitches that could cause long backlogs and queues at petrol stations.
The short period between the announcement yesterday and the planned rollout could lead to technical disruptions, said Fomca chief executive officer Saravanan Thambirajah.
“All technical and operational mechanisms must be fully tested before the rollout. There must not be system crashes or delays like in previous subsidy rollouts,” he said.
The fuel subsidy rollout, he said, was a timely step to ease cost-of-living pressures.
“Making every Malaysian with a driving licence eligible ensures inclusivity, while reducing the risk of discrimination or disputes. The 300-litre ceiling should be more than adequate for most daily users.
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“That said, usage patterns may vary across households such as rural consumers who drive long distances daily, or families with multiple drivers,” he said.
He urged the government to maintain flexibility in possibly reviewing the 300-litre cap, based on real-world usage data and consumer feedback.
“The e-hailing exemption application process must also be simple and smooth as any delays or complication will affect drivers who need the affordable fuel to keep working,” he said.
He suggested that the e-hailing exemption process be done through an online system that is integrated with e-hailing company records so verification and approval can be quick and efficient.
Abim president Ahmad Fahmi Mohd Samsudin said the measure reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring subsidies are enjoyed by Malaysians, while addressing leakages.
However, he said the government must ensure that the benefits are felt most by those who depend heavily on fuel, including the B40 group, gig workers, farmers and fishermen.
“At the same time, this subsidy could have a ripple effect on logistics costs, staple food prices and public transportation.
Although foreigners are not eligible for the subsidies, Abim said, the government should ensure that low-income workers from this group are not overburdened and forced to bear excessive costs that could affect certain economic sectors.
“The effectiveness of the programme depends heavily on supporting infrastructure such as the MyKad system, card readers and digital applications.
“All these systems must function properly to prevent confusion at petrol stations,” he said, adding that the government should also consider a longer trial period, particularly in rural areas which lack technological access.
Test engineer Nixon Lee, 28, said the RON95 subsidy is a huge relief as he works in Johor and travels frequently back to Selangor to visit his parents.
“I hope they consider expanding the current cap of 300 litres,” said Lee, who drives a second-hand Myvi.
Accountant Hazeeq Amzar, 22, said his car is not very fuel-efficient.
“I was struggling to balance my monthly fuel costs because I have to drive to work every day while still helping out with family errands.
“This new subsidy will help me a lot but I am worried the 300 litres may not be enough for those who travel a lot for work between states,” Hazeeq said.
