Amir Hamzah: No Daily Refuel Limits Under Budi95 For Now

The government has clarified that Malaysians will not face restrictions on how many times they can refuel under the new Budi95 subsidy scheme, at least for now.

Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said motorists are free to fill up as often as needed, but repeated transactions in a short span that suggest abuse will be flagged.

“You can refill as many times as you want. What we are looking at is unusual behaviour and people trying to abuse the system by topping up repeatedly in a short span and reselling fuel. That is what we will block,” he told reporters, as quoted by Malay Mail.

He explained that MyKad verification at petrol stations, together with backend data analytics, will allow authorities to spot abnormal usage. If necessary, the system can temporarily halt subsidised transactions linked to a card until checks are carried out.

The move comes amid concerns over leakages in the RON95 subsidy, which the Finance Ministry estimates have ballooned to nearly RM20 billion annually, with more than 20% consumed by foreigners, businesses and smuggling.

“Every ringgit saved is important and if we don’t control these leakages honest Malaysians end up paying the price,” Amir Hamzah said.

Under Budi95, which begins on Sept 30, Malaysians with valid driving licences and Malaysian-registered vehicles can purchase up to 300 litres of RON95 a month at RM1.99 per litre. E-hailing drivers may apply for higher quotas.

Purchases will be verified through MyKad at pumps or via apps such as Touch ’n Go eWallet and Setel.

Foreigners with Malaysian-registered cars will only be able to buy unsubsidised RON95 at RM2.60 per litre, while foreign-registered vehicles remain barred from using RON95 altogether and must opt for RON97 at market rates.

Treasury Secretary-General Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican added: “Users cannot refill every ten minutes. We will ensure there’s no abuse.” He said the government is also working with MCMC and oil companies to ensure all stations nationwide are ready, including rural outlets with patchy connectivity.