KUALA LUMPUR: The government will maintain the Budi Madani Diesel (Budi Diesel) assistance at RM300 per month for April to help cushion the impact of global energy market volatility.
The Finance Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday (March 31) that the additional interim assistance of RM100 will continue, bringing the total aid for the Budi Individual and Budi Agri-Commodities categories to RM300.
The assistance will be disbursed from April 8, benefiting about 340,000 recipients with an allocation of approximately RM102mil.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also Finance Minister, stressed that the move reflects the government’s responsiveness to rising cost-of-living pressures following the increase in global fuel prices.
"The measure ensures diesel users, particularly individuals and those in the agri-commodity sector, continue to receive support and are shielded from the full impact of global price increases,” the statement said.
Since its introduction in May 2024, the Budi Diesel programme has disbursed a total of RM1.12bil to ease the people’s financial burden.
The ministry said the targeted approach ensures assistance reaches those who need it most while maintaining fiscal discipline amid ongoing global pressures.
In addition to the interim aid, the government is also considering medium- and long-term measures to ensure the subsidy system remains sustainable, transparent and beneficial to the people.
"The government will continue to closely monitor global energy market developments and stands ready to take further action to ensure fuel supply remains stable and sufficient.
"Enforcement will also be strengthened to curb leakages and ensure subsidies reach the intended groups,” the statement added.
Eligible individuals may apply for Budi Diesel assistance throughout the year via the official website at https://Budidiesel.gov.my. – Bernama
