PETALING JAYA: Tighter rules barring the use of another person’s MyKad to buy subsidised fuel could help prevent leakages, but experts caution that such a policy must account for situations like elderly users relying on family members to refuel their vehicles.
Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) chief executive officer Dr Saravanan Thambirajah said that the move is a step in the right direction to reduce leakages in the targeted subsidy system.
“In the current scenario, where there is a strong need to ensure subsidies reach the right groups, this is a good move to prevent misuse.
“The use of another person’s MyKad, even among family members, can open the door to abuse and weaken the effectiveness of subsidy distribution,” he said.
Yesterday, the National Registration Department said using another person’s MyKad, including those belonging to family members, to buy subsidised fuel is prohibited.
Its director-general Datuk Badrul Hisham Alias said the MyKad is an official identification document that no other individual can use, hold or represent.
While Saravanan thinks abuse will occur if controls are not tightened, the implementation of the policy must remain practical and sensitive to real-life situations.
“There are genuine cases where family members depend on others, such as elderly individuals.
“Fomca believes enforcement should focus on preventing abuse while allowing reasonable flexibility, supported by clear guidelines and proper communication to avoid unnecessary hardship for consumers,” he said.
Social activist Siraj Jalil said the public must recognise that Malaysia is not immune to developments in the Middle East affecting fuel supplies, and that the government is introducing such policies to curb leakages.
“We are facing a global crisis and no one is happy about it.
“But we need to understand that sometimes the government has to take these measures to ensure subsidies reach the right groups,” he said.
He pointed out that Putrajaya has introduced several early interventions to cushion the impact of the global energy crunch on the public.
“We have seen a series of aggressive enforcement efforts to prevent leakages,” he said.
At the same time, Siraj stressed that the government must ensure a sufficient fuel supply while making sure subsidies are effectively targeted.
“The priority is to ensure there is enough petrol and diesel, while subsidies reach those who truly need them,” he said.
Pertubuhan Mesra Pengguna Malaysia deputy president Azlin Othman said from a consumer rights perspective, the misuse of a MyKad to obtain subsidised fuel is a serious issue.
“It affects the fairness of the subsidy system, as benefits meant for eligible consumers may be taken by others. If not addressed, it can weaken public trust in how subsidies are managed.
“The risks to consumers are significant.
“Their personal details can be misused without their knowledge, leading to unauthorised transactions and possible complications if investigations arise.
“In some cases, consumers may even face difficulties proving they were not involved,” she said.
She believes both stricter enforcement and public education are equally important.
“Stronger enforcement can act as a deterrent, while continuous education can help raise awareness of the importance of protecting personal information.
“Without awareness, the problem may continue even with tighter laws,” she said.
Fomca president Datuk Dr Marimuthu Nadason also urged the government to proceed cautiously with enforcing how MyKads are used, saying that eligible individuals could be unfairly affected, especially in rural and lower-income communities.
Marimuthu said many families share vehicles, and the registered owner may not always be the one doing the refuelling.
He added implementing and monitoring the rule will be difficult.
