PUTRAJAYA: The tiered eligibility scheme under the Budi95 targeted subsidy programme for e-hailing drivers will be activated in the middle of each month, says the Finance Ministry.
The initiative is part of the improvements introduced by the Madani government to ensure a fairer and more inclusive distribution of subsidies, while safeguarding the livelihoods of e-hailing and airport taxi drivers.
"For e-hailing drivers, the additional Budi95 eligibility level will be determined based on travel distances recorded in the system of e-hailing operator companies for the preceding month.
"Those who drive less than 2,000km will receive the basic 300 litres, while those covering between 2,000km and 5,000km will be eligible for an additional 300 litres (for a total of 600 litres)," the ministry said in a statement on Tuesday (Nov 4).
Drivers who exceed 5,000km will receive an additional 500 litres, bringing their total monthly quota to 800 litres.
Travel distance data will be verified by the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) and the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board (LPKP) in Sabah and Sarawak based on monthly reports from e-hailing operators.
"The new threshold has been lowered from 3,000km to 2,000km, with the addition of a new category for those exceeding 5,000km, following the ministry's study of e-hailing drivers' travel patterns and actual subsidy usage," the statement said.
Meanwhile, for airport taxi drivers, the ministry said operating companies could apply for a fleet card under the Subsidised Petrol and Diesel Control Scheme managed by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, allowing them to enjoy up to 800 litres of subsidised RON95 petrol per month.
However, airport limousines whose fares are not regulated by Apad are not eligible under the scheme.
Further details on the additional Budi95 eligibility criteria will be announced by Apad and LPKP, while fleet card applications can be made via the portal https://mysubsidi.kpdn.gov.my.
Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government had agreed to increase the Budi95 eligibility ceiling for qualified e-hailing drivers to 800 litres per month, subject to prescribed travel conditions.
Anwar said the decision was made after the government reviewed appeals from e-hailing drivers based on their actual fuel usage. – Bernama
