KOTA KINABALU, March 29 — The government’s move to temporarily adjust eligibility for the Budi MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) programme is a pragmatic step that continues to meet the needs of most private vehicle users in the country.
Sabah and Labuan Chinese Chamber of Commerce deputy secretary Weal Cheoh said that although the quota has been temporarily adjusted from 300 to 200 litres per month, the government’s decision to maintain subsidies amid rising global oil prices reflects its continued commitment to safeguarding public welfare.
“In the Malaysian context, the majority of private vehicles have engine capacities below 2,000cc and use around 200 litres per month, which is sufficient for normal usage.
“Although the quota has been temporarily reduced from 300 to 200 litres, it is still considered relevant, and does not have a significant impact on most users,” he told Bernama.
Cheoh emphasised the importance of a clearer understanding of subsidy policies, so that the public does not assess the move solely by reduced benefits but instead views the temporary adjustment holistically and appreciates the government’s efforts to maintain fuel subsidies compared with other countries.
In addition, the impact on certain groups, following the temporary adjustment to BUDI95, should be given attention to ensure that the sustainability of small businesses is not affected.
Meanwhile, the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) Putatan Division chief Datuk Marcus Mojigoh said that every government decision, including the temporary adjustment to BUDI95, is not made arbitrarily but through careful deliberation by the relevant committees.
Describing differences in opinion as normal, he said the public should adopt a more balanced and rational approach in assessing government policies by viewing them in a broader context.
In this regard, Marcus suggested that the public give the government the space and opportunity to demonstrate the effectiveness of the policy’s implementation, for the common good.
On Thursday (March 26), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government will implement a temporary adjustment to BUDI95 eligibility, from 300 litres per month to 200 litres per month, starting April 1, following the conflict in West Asia.
However, he stressed that the subsidised RON95 price remains at RM1.99 per litre.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said that the adjustment is temporary until the oil market and supply, as well as the global economy, stabilise. However, he acknowledged that there are currently no clear signs of such recovery.
