Army, police personnel among the first to enjoy subsidy
KUALA LUMPUR: Going by the first day of its rollout, the Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95) initiative was plain sailing with many cops and armed personnel happy to be early recipients.
There were smiles all around at petrol stations yesterday as the targeted RON95 subsidy under the Budi Madani initiative kicked off nationwide with army and police personnel being the first group of beneficiaries.
From Penang to Johor and across the east coast, checks showed the system was working without breakdowns or glitches, with both customers and station operators reporting seamless transactions.
“I am grateful for this initiative as it has eased some of my burdens,” said Sjn Saiezal Fakri, who is stationed at Kem Perdana Sungai Besi.
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“The process was smooth without any trouble,” he said when met at the BHPetrol station at the camp yesterday.
He said he could now spend less on filling up his motorcycle tank due to the subsidy.
The targeted subsidy programme, announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Sept 22, is being introduced in stages.
It began yesterday with the armed forces and the police.
And from Sept 30, the subsidy will be extended to Malaysians aged 16 and above who hold a MyKad and an active driving licence.
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Under the Budi95 initiative, these recipients can purchase RON95 petrol at the subsidised rate of RM1.99 per litre, compared with the market price of RM2.05.
Army personnel Kpl Mohd Nabhan Zulian was pleased with Budi95.
“It is a privilege to be among the first to enjoy this subsidy. The price for RON95 is definitely cheaper.”
The process, he said, was simple and efficient.
Easy peasy: Muhammad Shaqir Haikal Abdullah helping Lt-Kol Muhammad Afifi Azham Mohd use MyTentera for the Budi95 initiative at a petrol station in Jalan Sunggala, Negri Sembilan. — Bernama
Although the savings on petrol were modest, those who spoke to The Star expressed relief about the initiative.
Yesterday morning, the Taman Setiawangsa Petronas station situated close to police and armed forces quarters was a hive of activity with uniformed personnel trying out the programme.
Malaysian Army Warrant Officer Mohd Rafi Abdul Malek said the process was smooth and swift after he produced his MyKad and paid at the station’s cashier.
“Many of my colleagues have done the same and are satisfied with the hassle-free process.”
Others who turned up included Sjn Azizah Abd Aziz, who filled up RM5 worth of petrol for her motorcycle.
Royal Malaysian Air Force Warrant Officer Mohamad Zakir Othman said all he had to do was insert his MyKad and swipe his credit card.
“It was seamless and I give my full support for this programme as it safeguards the special subsidy to ensure it is meant only for Malaysians,” he said.
Kpl Mohd Nor Afiq Zulkifli, who is with the KL police, said the programme not only helped prevent subsidy leakages but also meant he was able to save some money.
He said the process of buying petrol was fast and convenient.
Cashier Raja Mohamed Haziq, who was manning an outdoor payment counter at the petrol station, said dozens of uniformed personnel had topped up fuel since early yesterday.
“We anticipated a large turnout and we were prepared for it. It went smoothly without a glitch.
“Many were surprised to receive extra fuel from the savings and came over to ask if the kiosks had wrongly dispensed more fuel but we explained that it was savings from the reduced price.”
In GEORGE TOWN, Kpl Muhammad Affendy Abu, 37, said the process was quick and straightforward.
“I just tapped my card and it showed the balance immediately. It’s very convenient,” he said.
His colleague, L/Kpl Mohd Solihin Mohd Nadzri, 30, said the system gave clear instructions at the pump.
“It was smooth and easy. We are satisfied that everything works as promised,” he said.
At the Jalan Masjid Negeri Shell outlet, the company’s representatives said that all machines had been calibrated and updated in time for the launch.
“There is always concern when a new mechanism begins, but everything has gone smoothly so far,” said one Shell manager.
RON95 was introduced in 2009 at RM1.75 per litre, replacing RON92.
Since then, its price has moved in line with global oil markets, rising to over RM2.80 at peak levels.
The Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 brought an unprecedented drop, with RON95 retailing at just RM1.25 per litre – the cheapest ever.
Today, Rahmah cash contribution (STR) recipients will begin to benefit from Budi95.
According to the Finance Ministry, Budi95 will benefit over five million B40 recipients.
Lorry driver Ahmad Firdaus Abdullah, 55, said he was eager to try it out.
“My 30-year-old car has very little petrol in it. It might just be enough to drive to a petrol station. I can only afford to fill up about RM20.
“Although I will receive a savings of just 60 sen, at least it is not a loss,” he said.
Another STR recipient, mechanic S. Subramaniam, 48, said the reduced petrol prices would ease the burden of those from lower-income groups.
“The amount saved may be small but at least it helps keep living costs from rising further.
“My concern is that when petrol prices go up, as it often causes a ripple effect where the price of essential goods also increases,” he said.
