PUTRAJAYA: The price of RON95 petrol has been reduced to RM1.99 per litre, from RM2.05 per litre, effective Sept 30, through targeted subsidies under the Budi Madani RON95 (BUDI95) programme.
The good news was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Monday (Sept 22) at his monthly meeting with staff of the Prime Minister's Department.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said all Malaysian citizens with a valid driving licence are eligible for the RON95 subsidy and based on data from the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the National Registration Department (JPN), it is estimated that more than 16 million people are eligible to receive the subsidy.
"These benefits and privileges are given as an appreciation and recognition of the spirit of National Day and Malaysia Day, as well as to honour all Malaysians.
"Starting Sept 30, non-citizens and large companies will no longer be eligible for the subsidy, as it is meant solely for personal use. They will have to pay the non-subsidised price of about RM2.60 per litre, while Malaysian citizens will continue to enjoy the subsidised price of RM1.99 per litre," he said.
Malaysians, he said, are eligible to receive a monthly BUDI95 of 300l, but e-hailing drivers can apply for a higher ceiling.
He added that, as a gesture of appreciation, police and military personnel will begin enjoying the RM1.99 per litre price from Saturday (Sept 27), ahead of the official implementation date, while the B40 group, who are recipients of the Rahmah Cash Contribution (STR), will start enjoying the subsidised price from Sunday (Sept 28).
This is to allow the public to gradually adapt to the new RON95 subsidy mechanism, he said.
Anwar said that, similar to the Basic Rahmah Contribution (Sara), no registration is required for BUDI95. Malaysians only need to use their MyKad to enjoy the subsidised price.
MyKad reader machines will be installed at shops and petrol pumps to help reduce the risk of congestion.
In this regard, he reminded the public to ensure their MyKad chips are functioning properly and that they hold a valid driving licence.
"Only citizens with a valid driving licence are eligible to receive the subsidy. So, for those who have yet to renew their licence, please do so immediately.
"Just like Sara, this is an appreciation initiative. It does not matter what your income level or position is - we are extending the blessing and benefit of this RON95 subsidy to all Malaysians.
"Some may criticise that even the super-rich are entitled to it, but this is our way of recognising and appreciating Malaysian citizens," he said.
For those who are digitally literate, Anwar said there are alternative payment options such as Touch'n Go and oil company applications like Petronas' Setel, which eliminate the need to use MyKad for every transaction.
He said Malaysia is the only country in the world bold enough to reduce fuel prices for its people despite the current uncertain global economic situation.
"Currently, the price in Saudi Arabia is RM2.61 per litre, and that is one of the largest oil-producing countries in the world. In comparison, petrol prices are RM3.22 per litre in Indonesia, RM4.22 per litre in the Philippines, RM5.68 per litre in Thailand, and RM9.02 per litre in Singapore.
"Of course, Singapore is not an oil producer, but I want to emphasise that even among oil-producing nations, Malaysia remains among the lowest... the only one slightly lower than us is Brunei," he said.
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