Journalists Say New 200L Petrol Cap Is 'Not Enough' To Do Their Jobs. Should They Get More?

Did you know that while we're scrolling through the news, the people reporting it might be struggling to afford the drive there? 

Since the new 200L petrol cap kicked in, journalists say they’re hitting their limit way before the month ends. Gabungan Kelab Media Malaysia (GKMM) is now stepping up to explain why 200L simply isn't enough for the job, and they're asking for the 300L quota back.

200L vs. 300L: We did the math, and it’s not looking good 

In their joint statement, the 14 media clubs highlighted the struggle, but just how much is this "quota cut" costing our news teams? We decided to run the numbers.

The Struggle: Most journalists in states like Sarawak or Johor easily clock 200km to 300km a day chasing leads.

The Math: Based on our analysis of a standard 1.5L car (averaging 15km/L), that 200L quota only gets you about 3,000km. If you’re a high-mileage journalist, you’ll likely hit that limit by the third week of the month.

The Real Cost: Once the quota is gone, you’re paying the current market price of RM4.02/L. According to our estimates, this "Media Tax" could cost individual journalists over RM200 to RM300 extra every single month, just to do their jobs.

This aligns with the concerns of Mohamad Fauzi Ishak, GKMM President, who noted that the coalition has received numerous complaints from media practitioners whose 200-litre quotas are being "depleted well before the end of each month" due to the long distances required for fieldwork.

Meanwhile, automotive expert Ir. Dr. Mohd Azman Abas from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) confirmed in an interview that while a 200L quota is 'generous' for city commuters, it creates a massive deficit for high-mileage users. His research suggests that to stay under the limit, drivers shouldn't exceed 100km daily, a figure that Malaysia’s media teams regularly double during fieldwork.

Is it Time for a "Special Exemption"?

The GKMM is calling on the government to restore the 300-litre quota specifically for registered media practitioners. They argue that media work is an "essential service" that keeps the public informed and the government accountable.

The Argument for "Yes":

• Public Interest: If journalists can't afford to drive to a scene, the public loses out on verified, real-time information.
• Equity: E-hailing drivers currently enjoy an 800L quota because their vehicle is their office. Media practitioners argue their cars are also "mobile offices" essential for their trade.

Read: Stop Bleeding Profit: Top 4 Fuel-Efficient E-Hailing Cars for 2026

The Argument for "No":

• Targeted Subsidy Goals: The government reduced the cap as a temporary measure to manage a RM4 billion monthly subsidy bill caused by global oil price surges (now over US$100/barrel).
• The 90% Rule: Official data suggests 90% of Malaysians use less than 200L a month. The government aims to keep the system lean to prevent leakages and smuggling.

What This Means for You

At  CarzAutomedia | CariCarz, we know that fuel prices are the #1 concern for every Malaysian driver in 2026. While the average commuter might stay under the 200L limit, the plea from the media highlights a growing reality: the cost of moving is getting more expensive.

Whether you're a journalist chasing a scoop or a parent on the school run, every sen counts when RON95 is flirting with the RM4.00 mark.

The Big Question: Should They Get the 300L?

Should the government treat journalists like e-hailing drivers and grant them a higher quota, or should the media find "greener" ways to cover the news?

Have your say in the comments below!

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Read: Fuel Subsidy Update: Your 300L Monthly Quota Could Drop to 200L This April