KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 13): The targeted RON95 subsidy under Budi95 will be expanded to Sarawak boat users, following the extension of eligibility to boat users in Sabah and those registered under the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority last week.
At the same time, the usage ceiling for full-time e-hailing drivers has been doubled to 600 litres per month, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) announced on Monday. Over 53,900 individuals will receive the increased quota, it said in a statement.
As for the expansion of Budi95 to Sarawak boat users, over 1,400 registered private boat users in Sarawak have had their Budi95 eligibility activated, based on data from the Sarawak Rivers Board and related state government agencies.
In addition, over 11,400 driving licence holders have been newly registered under Budi95, comprising 11,200 new drivers and 260 licence renewals, bringing the total number of Malaysians benefiting from the programme to over 16 million, said the ministry.
Launched at the end of September, the Budi95 programme allows eligible Malaysians with valid driving licences to purchase RON95 petrol at RM1.99 per litre, capped at 300 litres per month, as part of the government’s subsidy rationalisation initiative.
The programme has since progressively expanded to cover fishermen and private boat owners, while full-time e-hailing drivers are given a higher quota.
The MOF reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that the targeted subsidy programme operates smoothly, transparently and continues to deliver direct benefits to the people.
“The MOF, together with relevant agencies, will continue to monitor the implementation of Budi95 and make improvements from time to time,” it said.