THE Federal Government has officially rolled out the RON95 petrol subsidy at RM1.99 per litre today, benefiting some 300,000 Armed Forces and police personnel under the Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95) initiative.
This group is the first to enjoy the petrol subsidy in line with the announcement made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Sept 22, regarding the targeted subsidy system for RON95 petrol which is given in stages to the people.
After the armed forces and police personnel, it will be followed by recipients of the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) who are from the B40 group on Sept 28, followed by 16 million Malaysians aged 16 and above who have a MyKad and an active driving licence on Sept 30.
Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying, who visited several petrol stations in Penang today, said that all citizens, regardless of income level, who have an active driving licence will be automatically eligible to enjoy the Budi95 benefits.
“This is a privilege only for Malaysians. The savings from the transition to Budi95 will be redistributed for the benefit of the people such as through STR assistance and Basic Rahmah Contribution (Sara).
“Every Malaysian who qualifies will receive a monthly RON95 subsidy ceiling of up to 300 litres per month while e-hailing drivers are exempted from the qualification ceiling and can apply for additional qualifications to ensure their job continuity,” she told a press conference today.
Also present were Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Batu Lancang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong, Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan Hooi Peng, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng Soon Siang and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Nicholas Theng Jie Wey.
Lim, who is also the Tanjong MP, noted that the subsidy implementation at RM1.99 per litre compared to the current market price of RM2.05 has been running smoothly, with no system glitches or complaints reported so far.
She added that members of the public can call the hotline at 1300 88 9595 for any inquiries.
“I would also like to remind the public not to rush to refuel just because the price is set at RM1.99, as this rate will be maintained for as long as possible,” she said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat