JOHOR BARU: Around 400,000 individual diesel vehicle owners in Peninsular Malaysia are now eligible for subsidised diesel under the Budi Diesel programme.
This figure more than doubles the approximately 180,000 beneficiaries under the previous application-based system.
Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Fuziah Salleh said the increase follows the introduction of an automatic mechanism.
The mechanism allows eligible motorists to purchase diesel at RM2.10 per litre beginning July 1, with the subsidy linked directly to their MyKad.
"The vehicle must be registered under the individual's name and the ownership must match the driving licence. Once these conditions are met, the subsidy is automatically credited to the individual's MyKad," she told reporters after inspecting the implementation at a petrol station in Bandar Dato Onn here on Thursday (July 2).
Fuziah said each eligible individual would receive a subsidised allocation of 200 litres of diesel.
She said the new mechanism replaces the previous Budi Madani application process, under which eligible owners had to register to receive monthly diesel assistance.
Previously, about 180,000 vehicles were registered under the Budi Madani programme, but the process is now automatic.
Fuziah said around 400,000 individually-owned diesel vehicles in Peninsular Malaysia and 300,000 in Sabah and Sarawak are eligible under the new system.
She said the move would also help curb diesel subsidy leakages, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak, where subsidised diesel was previously more widely accessible.
"Now, only eligible individually-owned diesel vehicles can purchase diesel at the subsidised price," she said.
Fuziah also announced that vehicle owners may transfer their subsidy eligibility once to an immediate family member who is the actual user of the vehicle.
The transfer can be made to a spouse, parent, child or sibling through the Budi Madani portal.
On the diesel quota, Fuziah said eligible individuals are entitled to 200 litres per month, while owners of 4x4s and pickup trucks may apply for an additional 100 litres through the Budi Madani portal.
She said the ministry had not received any complaints since the implementation began, adding that the MyKad reader system used previously for the Budi RON95 subsidy had ensured a smooth rollout.
Petrol stations are already familiar with the card reader system and consumers are used to using it.
She added that foreign-registered vehicles are not eligible for the subsidy because the system is linked directly to Malaysian vehicle registration records.
Meanwhile, Fuziah said individuals who own both petrol and diesel vehicles may receive both fuel subsidies if they meet the respective eligibility requirements.
