A motorists use identity card to qualify for the Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95) scheme at a petrol station in George Town, Penang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star.
GEORGE TOWN: Retired bus driver B. Karunaniti, 73, was unaware that the price of RON95 petrol was RM1.99 per litre under the Budi95 scheme when he stopped at a petrol station on Monday (Sept 30).
"I'm a retiree, and now work as a personal driver. On my own, I use my motorcycle because it's cheaper.
"I usually spend RM6 or RM7 every three days, but today I filled a full tank for RM5," he said, grateful to the pump attendant who told him about the scheme.
The Budi Madani RON95 subsidised petrol, which was fully implemented yesterday, allows eligible Malaysians to buy RON95 at RM1.99 a litre for up to 300 litres a month.
Beyond that, the retail price of RM2.60 applies.
Personal driver B. Karunaniti, 73, was surprised by the subsidised RON95 and was pleased by the initiative when met at a petrol station along Weld Quay, in George Town, Penang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star.
Karunaniti, who lives in Sungai Pinang, said the savings would help with trips to visit family in Bayan Lepas and when driving his employer to Kuala Lumpur.
"I don’t have a car of my own, but my children do. I’m sure they knew about this scheme, but now I must remember to keep my MyKad handy.”
He added that a banner at stations would be useful “as old folk sometimes forget.”
For businessman Izlan Ishak, 47, the scheme means big savings.
Businessman Izlan Ishak, 47, was happy to be saving money on his petrol expenses with the new scheme, when met at a petrol station along Weld Quay, in George Town, Penang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star.
"My full tank used to be over RM100. Now it's about RM80. I run a clothing business in Kulim and travel often to Kuala Lumpur.
"Fuel costs add up, and this subsidy will cut my monthly expenses,” he added.
Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, who visited a petrol station to monitor the big rollout, said the first day went smoothly.
"If elderly motorists are unsure of the programme, please seek out the petrol station's staff for help," he said.
The Budi95 scheme is expected to benefit 16 million Malaysians with MyKad and valid licences.
A total of 16 million Malaysians aged 16 and above with a MyKad and a valid driving licence are eligible to enjoy the subsidised RON95 petrol price of RM1.99 a litre.
