Budi95: Only 0.6% Max Out Quota, Govt Flags Unusual Purchase Near Border

Barely 0.6% of Malaysians hit their full 300-litre quota under the BUDI MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) subsidy programme last month, a figure that defies early critics who claimed the monthly limit wouldn’t be enough.

According to the Finance Ministry, most recipients used only about 98 litres in Oct, well below the cap. 

"In total, over 13.1 million Malaysians pumped 1.33 billion litres of subsidised RON95 worth RM2.66 billion, saving a collective RM800 million in fuel costs," the ministry said in a statement.

Since its rollout on Sept 30, 16.55 million Malaysians have been approved for the subsidy, exceeding the government’s initial projection of 15 million. 

The scheme allows eligible citizens to buy RON95 petrol at RM1.99 per litre, compared to RM2.60 without the subsidy.

Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the results show that the targeted system is working as intended.

“The BUDI95 programme ensures that citizens receive subsidies directly without a complicated process, allowing the government to channel savings back into development and public welfare

"Clearly, this programme delivers a dual benefit to both the people and the nation,” he stated.

The programme also includes more than 23,000 registered fishermen and boat operators in Sabah and Sarawak who don’t hold driving licences.

To support gig workers, the government doubled the monthly quota for full-time e-hailing drivers to 600 litres starting Oct 13, benefiting nearly 58,000 drivers nationwide.

The ministry added that it has detected a few irregular usage patterns including some users exhausting their quota unusually quickly or making repeated purchases near border areas.

“The government will not compromise on any form of misappropriation or resale of subsidised petrol to ineligible parties,” it warned.

Authorities will tighten enforcement and monitoring to ensure the subsidy continues reaching those who truly need it.