KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 — The Economy Ministry has said the Budi Madani targeted subsidy system for RON95 petrol (BUDI95) has benefited more than 11 million Malaysians, who are enjoying the RON95 petrol price of RM1.99 per litre as of October 13.
The eligibility list for BUDI95 recipients is updated periodically based on the latest data to ensure that no eligible Malaysian is left out of the programme.
“The government is also mindful of residents who do not own an e-wallet or live in areas with limited Internet access.
“Several methods of eligibility verification and payment have been introduced under the BUDI95 programme, including physical verification via MyKad terminals and cash payments at petrol station counters, to ensure regional fairness and inclusivity,” it said in a written reply in the Dewan Rakyat today.
The ministry was responding to Tenom MP Riduan Rubin, who sought assurances that the use of the Central Database Hub (Padu) as the basis for determining RON95 petrol subsidies would not deprive the people of Sabah of their rights, given the challenges of the digital divide, poor Internet connectivity, and delays in data updates.
It added that the government has taken into account the needs of the people in Sabah and Sarawak who do not hold driving licences but rely on petrol-powered boats for daily transportation.
Through cooperation with state governments, a list of boat users has been compiled to ensure they, too, receive the monthly quota of 300 litres under the BUDI95 programme.
As of early October, over 23,000 boat users without driving licences, as well as fishermen, have been approved as recipients under the programme.
