JOHOR BARU: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) is beefing up enforcement to prevent misuse of the Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95) subsidy, including by foreign-registered vehicles.
Its Johor director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo said petrol station operators, especially those near the border, have been reminded to monitor the situation closely.
“When it comes to border areas, we cannot completely rule out attempts to misuse the subsidy, but we have made our stand clear.
“Foreign-registered vehicles are not allowed to use RON95, and we believe our neighbour is well aware of this.
“Checks in these areas have already been frequent, but we will step up enforcement further,” she said.
Lilis Saslinda said this to reporters after checking on the implementation of the Budi95 initiative at petrol stations along Jalan Yahya Awal here.
Asked if Malaysians using foreign-registered vehicles had expressed disappointment over not being able to use RON95, she said it was expected.
“That is normal and even on social media, some may bring the matter up, but I believe the government is doing its best to ensure all Malaysians benefit from the subsidy.
“Nonetheless, those who have any complaints are welcome to lodge official reports through our channels,” she said, adding that she hopes the public will also assist KPDN in preventing misuse of the subsidy.
The sale of RON95 to foreign-registered vehicles, including those belonging to Malaysians, is an offence under the Control of Supplies Act 1961.
On Sept 22, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that under the Budi95 initiative, Malaysian citizens with an active driving licence, regardless of their income, can purchase RON95 petrol at the subsidised rate of RM1.99 per litre compared with the market price of RM2.05.
No registration is required, but users must insert their MyKad into the reader at the fuel pump for eligibility verification before payment.
The targeted subsidy programme is being introduced in stages, starting from Sept 27 for the armed forces and police, while Rahman Cash Aid recipients began benefitting from it on Sept 28.
Starting today (Sept 30), the subsidy is extended to Malaysians aged 16 and above who hold a MyKad and an active driving licence.
