BUKIT MERTAJAM: Many Malaysians turned up early at the National Registration Department (NRD) here to check and replace their damaged MyKad chip so that they can enjoy the subsidised RON95 petrol from Sept 30.
This follows the free replacement campaign that runs until Oct 7, in support of the Budi Madani RON95 fuel subsidy programme (Budi95).
With the free campaign, the usual RM10 fee is waived.
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At the central Seberang Perai NRD, staff manned a dedicated counter to check the MyKad chip, with many people arriving before 8am yesterday.
Former goldsmith Gan Chee Hing, 69, was one of them.
“I’ve used this card for years. When the government said to check the chip, I made time to come,” he said.
The grandfather of five came early to avoid the queue, saying an updated card would facilitate purchase of subsidised fuel.
Gan, who is a recipient of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah aid, said he preferred to settle it now rather than join a last-minute rush later.
He received a temporary document because the new card will only be ready in a week.
Housewife P. Hemalatha, 29, came with her son and sister.
“I don’t want to miss this opportunity. I know I could get it within an hour on the island, but that’s too far. I don’t mind waiting for a week for the card,” she said, adding that the free replacement saves time and money.
Technician Muhammad Amirul Abu Hasan, 32, took time off work to ensure his card’s chip still works.
“I depend on my motorcycle daily. I can’t risk problems at the pump,” he said, adding that the process was smooth and worth doing early.
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.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Monday 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.
He said the benefit is in appreciation and recognition of the spirit of National Day and Malaysia Day, as well as to honour all Malaysians.
Non-Malaysians will have to pay the non-subsidised price of about RM2.60 per litre.
