RM20,000 For A Full Tank? Singaporean Driver Fined For Trying To Cheat The Budi95 System

Think twice before trying to game the fuel pump system. A Singaporean driver in his 50s just learned that the hard way, walking out of the Johor Bahru Sessions Court with a RM20,000 fine, all for the "crime" of filling his foreign-registered car with subsidised Budi95 petrol.

What actually happened?

Back on April 9, during a routine Ops Tiris 4.0 enforcement sweep, officers from the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) caught the driver red-handed at a petrol station in Johor Bahru.

While the official report didn't disclose exactly how he managed to unlock the Budi95 pump, which requires a linked MyKad or specific digital authentication, the fact remains: Budi95 is strictly for Malaysians driving Malaysian-registered vehicles.

Why the heavy fine?

The court wasn't playing around. Judge Datuk Che Wan Zaidi Che Wan Ibrahim sentenced the driver under the Control of Supplies Act 1961. In addition to the RM20,000 fine, the driver faced a default sentence of three months in jail. He opted to pay the fine on the spot.

A quick refresher on the rules

If you’re still confused about who can pump what, here’s the breakdown so you don't end up in court:

• Budi95 (RM1.99/litre): Exclusively for Malaysians driving Malaysian-registered vehicles.
• Non-Subsidised RON95 (RM3.37/litre): Available for foreigners driving Malaysian-registered vehicles.
• RON97: Mandatory for all foreign-registered vehicles, even if the driver is a Malaysian citizen.

The KPDN is watching

The KPDN has made it clear: there will be no compromise when it comes to fuel subsidy leakages. They are actively monitoring stations, especially those near the border, and they are counting on you to be their eyes and ears.

Seen something suspicious? Don't stay silent. You can report fuel misappropriation through these official channels:

• WhatsApp: 019-848 8000
• Email: e-aduan@kpdn.gov.my
• Call Centre: 1-800-886-800
• App: Ez ADU KPDN