PUTRAJAYA: Some 16 million Malaysians, regardless of income, will be eligible for the RON95 subsidy, which will be priced at RM1.99 per litre effective Sept 30.
Announcing this, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the benefit is in appreciation and recognition of the spirit of National Day and Malaysia Day, as well as to honour all Malaysians.
“Just like the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara), this is an appreciation initiative. It does not matter what your income level or position is, we are extending the benefit of RON95 subsidy to all Malaysians.
“Some may criticise that even the super-rich are entitled to it, but this is our way of recognising and appreciating Malaysian citizens,” he said at the Prime Minister’s Department monthly gathering.
He said the 16 million Malaysians eligible for the Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95) programme is based on data from the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the National Registration Department (JPN).
“Starting Sept 30, non-citizens and large companies will no longer be eligible for the subsidy, as it is meant solely for personal use. They will have to pay the non-subsidised price of about RM2.60 per litre,” Anwar told the assembly, Bernama reported.
The Prime Minister said Malaysians are eligible to receive 300 litres under Budi95, but e-hailing drivers can apply for a higher amount.
As a gesture of appreciation, police and military personnel will enjoy the RM1.99 per litre price starting Saturday (Sept 27), while the B40 group will be eligible from Sunday (Sept 28), he said.
This is to allow the public to gradually adapt to the new RON95 subsidy mechanism, he added.
Anwar said no registration is required for Budi95 and Malaysians only need to use their MyKad to enjoy the subsidised price, adding MyKad reader machines will be installed at shops and petrol pumps to help reduce the risk of congestion.
He reminded the public to ensure their MyKad chips are functioning properly and that they hold a valid driving licence.
The Prime Minister said there are alternative payment options such as Touch ‘n Go and applications like Petronas’ Setel, which eliminate the need to use MyKad for every transaction.
“Malaysia is the only country in the world bold enough to reduce fuel prices for its people despite the current uncertain global economic situation.”
Anwar said the Finance Ministry will provide further clarification and details on the mechanism for the RON95 subsidy.
He said savings from the targeted subsidy initiative will be reallocated, focusing on education, healthcare and upgrading basic infrastructure, including funding the reconstruction of public infrastructure severely damaged by the floods in Sabah.
“We should utilise these funds to aid those affected. Our priority remains firm to reinvest these returns in the people, particularly in education, health and basic infrastructure,” he added.
The Finance Ministry said e-hailing drivers, who are exempted from the 300-litre ceiling, can apply for additional allocations to ensure their livelihoods are not affected.
“This eligible monthly ceiling was set based on findings from the Department of Statistics, which showed that more than 99% of private vehicle drivers in Malaysia do not exceed this amount,” the statement read.
