RON95 Subsidy Details Coming In Sept, Govt Assures 90% Will Remain Protected

The government is moving forward with targeted subsidies for RON95 petrol, with full details to be announced by the end of Sept 2025.

Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the change is necessary, as blanket subsidies have long strained public finances while failing to reach most Malaysians.

He assured that, like the rationalisation of electricity and diesel subsidies, the RON95 scheme will be structured so the wider public is not adversely affected.

While early estimates suggested 85% of Malaysians would remain eligible, the Prime Minister has since indicated that at least 90% or more of the population could be shielded from higher fuel prices.

In Parliament, Amir was responding to Ayer Hitam MP Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong, who pressed the government to explain how the T15 income earners would be identified. Wee also asked what notification, verification, and appeals process would be in place to protect public rights once the new system begins.

Amir said the Ministry of Finance is in the final phase of refining both eligibility criteria and delivery methods, drawing on the diesel framework, using the Central Database Hub (Padu) as reference, and engaging stakeholders to fine-tune details.

Several implementation options are being studied, including MyKad, e-wallets, and fuel company apps. Under the MyKad system, station terminals would connect to a central database to verify eligibility and track quotas. 

Eligible users would continue paying the subsidised price of RM1.99 per litre, while others would be charged the full pump rate.

The ministry noted that a similar approach has worked effectively under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme, reinforcing confidence in the method. Alternatives such as automated purchases at the pump and app-based verification are also being reviewed.

Amir also added that high incomes and ownership of luxury vehicles are among the factors being considered for exclusion.