KUALA LUMPUR: The government has saved RM800mil since the Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95) was implemented in Sept 30, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anway, who is also Finance Minister, said this was from better targeting of fuel subsidies for Malaysians only, effectively curbing leakages that previously benefited more than 3.5 million foreigners as well as fuel smuggling.
"Every ringgit saved is channelled back to the people through initiatives such as the Rahmah Cash Contribution (STR) and the Rahmah Basic Contribution (Sara), in addition to upgrading clinics and hospitals, improving roads and strengthening infrastructure," he said in a Facebook post on Sunday (Dec 21).
Anwar said targeted fuel subsidies had been debated for more than 20 years by successive governments, but none had the courage or political will to implement them until the Madani government took the bold step of introducing Budi95.
Under the programme, all Malaysian MyKad holders aged 16 and above with a valid driving licence are eligible to purchase up to 300 litres of subsidised RON95 fuel per month at RM1.99 per litre, compared with RM2.60 per litre without the subsidy. – Bernama
