KUALA LUMPUR: Following the launch of the Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95) initiative for military and police personnel on Saturday, over five million recipients of the Rahmah Cash Aid (STR) in the B40 category enjoyed the subsidised petrol price of RM1.99 per litre yesterday.
In PERAK, 80-year-old Ahmad Tasir Mohd Isa from Pengkalan said the subsidy would help ease the financial burden on the public, especially senior citizens.
“Although I don’t use a lot of petrol each month, the reduction in the RON95 price definitely makes a difference in my monthly expenses,” said the retired civil servant.
He added that the process of redeeming the subsidy was easy, thanks to the helpful petrol station staff members who guided him through the steps to access the Budi95 benefits.
Meanwhile, Azman Mohamed Yusof, 54, said he only needed to complete the transaction by using his identity card at the payment counter.
“The process is quick, simple and hassle-free. I’m grateful to the government for providing this petrol subsidy to those who truly need it,” said Azman, who is a self-employed worker.
In KEDAH, Mohamad Din, 66, from Sungai Petani, who often travels to Alor Setar for business, said the Budi95 initiative significantly eases his financial burden. Previously, his petrol expenses amounted to over RM80.
“It is of great help. Now, with the price at RM1.99, it really lightens the load. I topped up RM30 today to try the system,” he said.
Chan Boon Shiang, 61, from Taman Ria, went to the petrol station to check his eligibility for Budi95. He was pleased to be one of the early recipients, while his wife would begin using the benefit tomorrow.
In MELAKA, Rohayu Abd Rashid, 38, a production operator, praised the government for implementing Budi95 to help alleviate the financial strain on low-income groups.
“Although the price difference may seem small, the savings are significant, especially for those commuting daily. This initiative is targeted at Malaysians, ensuring subsidies reach those who truly qualify,” she said.
In PAHANG, Muhamad Amir Asraf, 35, a technician at a private hospital in Kuantan, said he felt awkward using his identity card for the first time to buy petrol.
“However, the process was simpler than expected. I just went to the counter with my IC and was able to purchase petrol at RM1.99 per litre,” he said, adding that Budi95 would help curb the misuse of subsidised petrol, especially in border areas.
In KELANTAN, Abdullah Kemat, 43, said he appreciated the direct subsidy, which greatly benefits rural residents who need to drive long distances for works.
“There was no long wait; the system verifies eligibility instantly. We can top up immediately with the subsidised price, saving both time and costs,” Abdullah said when met at a petrol station in Repek, Pasir Mas.
Over in Tumpat, Siti Rohana Ismail, 47, described Budi95 as a “wallet saver” due to her daily commute of over 40km to work in Kota Baru.
“Every litre saved matters. Every ringgit saved is meaningful,” she said.
Another recipient, Roslan Mat Jusoh, 50, from Pengkalan Chepa, said the petrol savings from Budi95 allowed him to allocate more funds for groceries and his children’s school needs.
“Although the savings are small, the impact on our family is significant. I hope this programme continues to benefit the public,” he said.
Budi95 will be fully implemented tomorrow, benefitting 16 million Malaysians with a MyKad and an active driving licence.
For more information, visit the official Budi95 portal at ww.budimadani.gov.my or call the helpline at 1-300-88-9595.
