KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 27): The government has barred a petrol station in Sungai Buaya in Nibong Tebal, Penang, from selling subsidised RON95 petrol and diesel after detecting suspicious transactions under the Budi Madani programme.   

The Ministry of Finance (MoF) said on Tuesday that it had also withheld subsidy payments to the station amounting to more than RM270,000 and suspended access to Budi Madani subsidies for nine individuals, including the station owner and  family members, pending further action.

“The ministry has also identified several other individuals suspected of being linked to the case and is reviewing their transaction records. Further action will be taken if they are found to have been involved in subsidy abuse,” it said in a statement.
 
The investigation followed complaints from Budi Madani recipients that their MyKad details were used without their knowledge to purchase subsidised petrol. 

A review of the station’s transaction records found more than 1,000 transactions  involving over 100,000 litres of petrol and government subsidies worth more than RM270,000, the MoF said.

The ministry warned that abuse of the Budi Madani programme undermines targeted subsidy efforts as the conflict in West Asia disrupts global energy supplies and puts pressure on fuel prices.