BUKIT JALIL: Prices of essential goods and transportation will remain stable with the implementation of Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95), said Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.
The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister said this follows the model set by the successful Subsidised Diesel Control System, the targeted diesel subsidy implemented earlier.
He said there were initial concerns that the initiative could push inflation above 4%, but inflation has shown a consistent decline.
“So, there was some effectiveness in this implementation,” he said on Thursday (Oct 2).
“What is most important is ensuring no one is left behind, which is why the appeals committee under the scheme is important,” he added.
“So, God willing, if everyone is covered, we can ensure prices of goods and transportation remain stable,” he said after launching My Gaya Month 2025.
Under Budi95, recipients can purchase RON95 petrol at RM1.99 per litre compared with the market price of RM2.05.
On a different topic, Armizan said that public passenger boats using RON95 petrol will be eligible for subsidies under Budi95 or the Subsidised Petrol Control System, subject to a mechanism to be announced soon.
He said that in principle, the initiative applies to boats registered to Malaysian citizens or locally registered companies.
“As an interim measure, public passenger boat operators will be allowed to claim reimbursement in cash,” he said.
Armizan said it is mandatory to retain and submit official purchase receipts.
“Our ministry has activated the Subsidised Diesel Control System appeals committee, with an expanded scope to cover implementation of the Subsidised Petrol Control System to address arising issues,” he said.
The Finance Ministry announced late Wednesday (Oct 1) that the federal government has agreed to extend Budi95 eligibility to citizens who are registered boat owners, without requiring a valid driving licence.
“The Federal Government is working with relevant state agencies, such as the Sarawak Rivers Board and the Sabah Ports and Harbours Department, to identify registered boat owners,” it said.
Armizan said the federal government is working with state agencies, including the Sarawak Rivers Board and the Sabah Ports and Harbours Department, to identify registered boat owners.
