BUDI95 App Shows How Revised RON95 Subsidy Will Work

A recent video circulating on Facebook has given the clearest look yet at how Malaysia’s new subsidised RON95 petrol system could work. The clip shows the use of a new app called BUDI95, developed under the existing eCOSS framework, which scans a user’s MyKad to verify eligibility for subsidised fuel.

In the demo, the app checks if the buyer is entitled to purchase RON95 and whether they have exceeded their monthly quota. If the limit is reached, the screen turns red to block further subsidised purchases. 

According to the explanation, every eligible Malaysian will receive a predetermined quota, while delivery riders and ride-hailing drivers will get larger allocations to reflect their higher fuel usage.

This setup mirrors the diesel subsidy system, where quotas vary by user group. “We will have a quota, we must. We don’t want situations where someone fills up on behalf of others,” Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan had said earlier, confirming that P-hailing and E-hailing drivers will receive bigger allowances.

The BUDI95 system builds on the Cooking Oil Price Stabilisation Scheme System (eCOSS), where consumers buying subsidised cooking oil must scan their MyKad, ensuring only citizens can access the controlled item.

But the Facebook video suggests that, at least initially, verification may only be available at payment counters rather than directly at pumps. This could slow down the refuelling process and create long queues, especially if the system experiences glitches or downtime.

Amir Hamzah had previously said the government was working with petrol station operators to enable MyKad verification at pumps once the subsidy is rolled out at the end of the month. With less than two weeks to go, however, it is still unclear if pump integration will be ready, or if the rollout will begin with counter verification before expanding further.

Another unanswered question is how MyKad checks will be integrated with popular payment apps such as Petronas’ Setel, which many motorists now rely on.