Malaysians have expressed a mix of appreciation and caution on social media over the government’s RON95 subsidy rationalisation, which takes effect on Sept 30.
Many lauded Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for addressing long-standing subsidy leakages that were seen to benefit foreigners.
“Alhamdulillah, even though the reduction is just six sen, at least locals get to enjoy it. For years, foreigners were the ones benefitting,” wrote Facebook user Jaafar Shah Haji Harun.
Others like X user @asy4hhh praised the government’s political will, saying: “Didn’t expect Madani to be bold enough to go this far. If the goal is to ensure there’s no leakage in subsidised fuel transactions, this is exactly how it should have been done all along.”
Several also highlighted the fairness of extending subsidies to all income groups.
“M40 and T20 are the biggest taxpayers. It’s unfair to sideline them,” wrote Aiman Daniel in a Facebook comment, while Seah Char Boh said critics should “fill up with RON97 at market price if they don’t want the benefit”.
However, some raised concerns over implementation and potential loopholes.
Facebook user Blaxx Hauz questioned system readiness: “As per the Malaysian standard, our system will crash, that’s proven. So how are you gonna compensate those filling up at RM2.60 while the system is down for 5 days?”
Another user, going by the name “Ah Liew”, urged the government to monitor and ensure that petrol stations submit sales reports that match citizen usage.
“Catch and penalise petrol stations with heavy fines and jail time for working or collaborating with smugglers, or if they are the actual smugglers,” he said.
Beginning Sept 30, the government will provide up to 300 litres of RON95 petrol per month at RM1.99 per litre for all Malaysians aged 16 and above with a valid driving licence.
Buyers can present their MyKad for verification at the pump, counter, or through station apps.
Foreigners, unlicensed drivers, and foreign-registered vehicles will not be eligible, while commercial vehicles will continue under the existing fleet card system.
