PETALING JAYA: With the Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95) programme set to roll out, petrol station operators across the country are preparing to ensure things go smoothly on Sept 30 when the fuel’s price goes down from RM2.05 a litre to RM1.99.
Petroleum Dealers Association of Malaysia (PDAM) president Datuk Khairul Annuar Abdul Aziz said association members have things well in hand, adding that only minor differences are expected between brands.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that Malaysians with a MyKad and valid driving licence will enjoy 300 litres of subsidised RON95 per month at the price of RM1.99, while e-hailing drivers can apply for a higher amount.
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Khairul Annuar said the reduction in price, if implemented on its own, is not an issue as fuel prices have been adjusted weekly in the past without difficulty.
“However, the targeted subsidy mechanism, which involves verification of eligible customers, is a separate and more complex matter,” he said in a statement issued yesterday.
“When the system is launched, there may understandably be some initial challenges.”
PDAM, said Khairul Annuar, is appealing to the public for understanding and cooperation during this transition period.
“Our dealers and their staff will do their best to assist, and we hope there will be government hotlines available for the public.
“We sincerely hope that the public will work with us constructively and avoid any unruly situations at petrol stations,” he said.
Khairul Annuar also thanked the Finance Ministry for engaging with PDAM and listening to the association’s concerns in preparing for the upcoming changes.
“We hope these matters will be fully addressed before the launch, and we will continue to work closely with the authorities to ensure a smooth implementation,” he said.
With a driving licence required to access the lower RON95 price, many Malaysians are expected to scramble to make sure their licences are valid by Sept 30.
To assist them, Road Transport Department (JPJ) director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli said the agency will increase the operating hours of counters handling driving licences and related services from 8.30am to 4.30pm on weekends (Fridays and Saturdays in Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu; Saturdays and Sundays in other states).
The extension of service hours will be in effect from Sept 27 to Oct 26 at all JPJ state and branch offices nationwide.
According to Aedy Fadly, there are 2.3 million Competent Driving Licence (CDL) holders who are currently inactive, which means that their licences have expired for more than three years; 15.2 million CDL holders remain active and hold valid licences.
He also reminded those whose licences have expired for more than three years that they are required to retake the Driver’s Education Curriculum Tests Parts 2 and 3 to reactivate their licence; this can be done at any driving institute.
Those whose licences have expired for not more than three years are urged to renew them immediately through the MyJPJ application, mySikap portal or kiosks without having to go to a counter in person.
“With the implementation of this initiative, JPJ is confident that it can help the public make full use of the initiatives announced by the government while also improving compliance with road traffic laws through the enforcement of valid driving licences.”
