Malaysians urged to reduce driving and carpool as fuel subsidy burden rises to RM4 billion monthly, with most unaffected by quota changes.
PETALING JAYA: Higher-income and high-consumption groups have been urged to adopt more prudent spending habits as the nation navigates the impact of an ongoing global crisis.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution said this includes reorganising travel plans, reducing unnecessary driving, practising carpooling, and making greater use of public transport.
He added that the call forms part of the government’s broader effort to manage rising fuel subsidy costs while safeguarding the majority of Malaysians.
“The move to revise the subsidised RON95 quota under the Budi95 programme from 300 litres to 200 litres per month, effective April 1, is necessary to ensure public funds are channelled more efficiently.
“For the 10% of users who record petrol consumption exceeding 200 litres per month, I urge all of us to view this adjustment as a push towards a more sustainable lifestyle,” he said in a Facebook post today.
Saifuddin said data shows that nearly 90% of Malaysians consume about 100 litres of petrol monthly, meaning most will not be affected by the adjustment.
“The government remains committed to protecting the rakyat, but at the same time, we must ensure that subsidies are better targeted and not excessively utilised,” he said.
He stressed that prudent fuel usage and small behavioural changes among higher-consumption groups could contribute to significant national savings, which could then be redirected towards essential sectors such as healthcare, education, and direct aid.
“The world today is grappling with increasingly challenging global pressures. The surge in crude oil prices beyond US$100 per barrel has had a significant impact on many countries.
“In Hong Kong, petrol prices have reached around RM14 per litre. In Singapore, they stand at approximately RM10 per litre. This is the reality the world is facing today,” he said.
Saifuddin emphasised that the Madani government, led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has taken a firm stance to protect the rakyat amid rising global pressures.
He said the government recognises the burden that would fall on the public if fuel price increases were fully passed on, and has therefore continued to act as a “shield” to cushion the impact.
“The subsidised RON95 price under the Budi95 programme is maintained at RM1.99 per litre, keeping Malaysia among the countries with the lowest petrol prices globally.
“Although the pump price remains at RM1.99, the government’s actual subsidy burden has surged sixfold, rising from RM700 million to RM4 billion per month.
“As one ‘big family’, we must make wise choices. We cannot allow RM4 billion of public funds to be ‘burnt’ on the roads every month,” he stressed.
