KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today expressed hope that the people would understand the temporary adjustment to the quota for the Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95) programme from 300 litres to 200 litres per month, effective April 1.
He said the decision was made with careful consideration, taking into account the country's global economic pressures following the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said that the adjustment is temporary until the oil market and supply, as well as the global economy, stabilise. However, he acknowledged that there are currently no clear signs of such recovery.
"I sincerely appeal for the people's cooperation and understanding… and I believe there will be various accusations and interpretations that we cannot avoid. But rest assured, I do not want the people to feel burdened, and the measures we are taking are very careful and prudent.
"I therefore appeal to the people and colleagues to understand that this step is necessary to safeguard the interests of the majority.
"It is not easy and may cause some inconvenience to certain segments of the people. I seek your understanding and cooperation so that we can continue efforts to prevent leakages," he said in a special address Thursday (March 26).
Despite the temporary adjustment to Budi95 quota, the programme will remain at RM1.99 per litre to help ease the people's burden.
The Prime Minister also called on all agencies and the government machinery to be firmer and more vigilant in enforcement to curb any form of misappropriation.
"We cannot provide subsidies and then witness smuggling activities reaching hundreds of millions of ringgit each month. Therefore, a stern warning must be issued now, and any act of smuggling will face the full force of the government machinery," he said.
Meanwhile, Anwar also expressed appreciation to members of the public who are vigilant and take responsibility in reporting abuses at petrol stations to enforcement agencies or via social media, whether involving foreigners or locals. - Bernama
