IPOH: The phased implementation of the BUDI MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) initiative is aimed at ensuring a more structured subsidy distribution process, and preventing leakage, said political secretary to the Finance Minister, Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim.
He said that under the first phase, all Malaysians with a valid identity card and driving licence can purchase RON95 petrol at RM1.99 per litre.
“After this first phase, we want to see how it goes, and from there we will improvise again. For example, after this, the T15 group may not be included in the list of recipients of RON95 subsidy,” he said.
“Our aim is to ensure that the transition process takes place smoothly, with minimal inconvenience, while also addressing any potential technical issues in implementation. We want this policy to be executed effectively, so that it meets the government’s objectives,” he said.
He said this to reporters after officiating the launch of the Malaysian SDG Community Health Observatory Network (MASCHON) at the Dewan NCMS-CARITAS, here, today.
Muhammad Kamil said that he understood if any concerns are raised by some quarters regarding the 300-litre cap for the RON95 petrol subsidy under the initiative, but stressed that the decision was made based on the average consumption of the public, after a series of engagement sessions.
“I have no problem with differing views, and we have to accept them. The government today, as I have mentioned, is a government that listens. However, the decision to set the threshold at 300 litres was made after careful consideration and multiple engagement sessions,” he said.
He said the average monthly fuel consumption in the country was between 200 and 220 litres, and the government set the limit at 300 litres to avoid any issues.
He added that the government will re-evaluate the 300-litre monthly limit from time to time to determine whether it is sufficient to meet the people’s needs.
“If we do not set a limit, there will be no control mechanism for RON95. This would open room for abuse, as some might exploit the subsidy for profit, and the issue of leakage would remain unresolved,” he said.
On Monday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that under BUDI95, Malaysians will be able to purchase RON95 petrol at RM1.99 per litre compared with RM2.05 previously, effective Sept 30, regardless of income level.
For non-citizens, the price of RON95 will be RM2.60 per litre beginning on the same date. – Bernama
