KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 30 — Petrol stations across the city saw a busy but largely smooth start today as the Budi95 targeted petrol subsidy scheme was rolled out to all eligible Malaysians.
At two petrol stations in Salak South Garden, pump attendants were on hand to guide motorists through the new system, which requires MyKad verification either at the cashier or through a linked mobile app.
Caltex Salak South station manager Khor Chin Chew said that while there were some queues, especially during the morning rush hour, there were no major complications.
“There was a bit of a crowd and queue this morning when people refueled their vehicle as they headed to work or after sending their children to school, but other than that there were no complications whatsoever. So far everything seems under control,” he told Malay Mail.
A cashier validates a customer’s MyKad at a petrol station on September 30, 2025, as part of the new Budi95 targeted subsidy initiative. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin
Khor explained that the queues were mainly caused by those opting for cash or e-wallet payments, which require manual MyKad verification at the counter, as well as those who had not yet set up their payment method on the station’s mobile app.
“I also came across several people who queued just to experience the process first-hand — in case their phones stop working one day and they need to know what to do,” he said, adding that he encouraged the use of mobile apps for a more seamless experience.
He also praised the government’s phased rollout, noting that it gave operators time to prepare.
“Definitely it is easier to manage because if it was a blanket rollout, the queue would have been way longer,” he added.
A customer shows the price difference between subsidised and unsubsidised petrol on his receipt after refueling on September 30, 2025. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin
Rizq Fadzlin Mohd Ramli, a retiree from nearby Taman Naga Emas, described the verification process as straightforward and quick.
He lauded the use of both driving licences and MyKad as a “foolproof” way to ensure only eligible citizens benefit.
About 200 metres away at the Shell Salak South station, retailer Faridah Hussien shared similar observations, confirming a smooth process on the ground.
“Alhamdulillah, so far so good. As fuel retailers, we are here to support the federal government’s initiatives,” she said, adding that staff were on hand to assist any customers who encounter difficulties.
A pump attendant assists a customer with refueling under the Budi95 targeted subsidy initiative on September 30, 2025. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin
The Budi95 scheme sets the price of RON95 petrol at RM1.99 per litre, with a monthly cap of 300 litres per individual.
It was rolled out in phases, starting with military and police personnel, followed by Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) recipients, before being extended to all eligible Malaysians today.
