KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 — Building on an earlier successful nationwide rollout, Sumbangan Tunai Ramah (STR) recipients encountered a seamless refueling experience after the second phase of the government’s new Budi95 targeted petrol subsidy scheme began today.
The initial phase of the programme began with members of the police and armed forces yesterday, followed by Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) recipients tomorrow. From September 30, it will be extended to all eligible Malaysians nationwide.
At the Shell petrol station along Jalan Bangsar, Malay Mail observed several early users refueling their vehicles ahead of the scheme’s final and nationwide implementation for all eligible Malaysians on September 30.
Muhammad Nikhwan Idrus from Seri Kembangan said it just so happened his vehicle was low on petrol and he decided to give the scheme a try, filling up RM20 worth of petrol — about half a tank — for his Perodua Axia.
“Usually I pay using a bank card but I decided to use cash today instead because of the rollout for STR recipients.
You just insert your IC and immediately you can start filling up using the new subsidised pricing after you are verified,” he said, demonstrating the verification process which took less than 10 seconds,” he said.
STR recipient Muhammad Nikhwan Idrus filling up his car under the new Budi Madani RON95 (BUDI95) initiative programme. — Picture by Yusof Isa
Nazarudin Abdul Manap, who was on his way to Perak with his family, said the verification process at the cashier was straightforward and simple as he wanted to pay with cash.
“Complicated? Not at all. It’s my first time but it’s very simple and everything was handled well by the cashier,” the Lembah Pantai resident said when met here.
Nazarudin said he initially wanted to fill his Proton Saga FLX with just RM10 worth of petrol but later changed his mind to RM20 after he felt assured of the easy-to-understand refueling process.
STR recipient Nazarudin Abdul Manap filling up his car under the new Budi Madani RON95 (BUDI95) initiative programme. — Picture by Yusof Isa
Another STR recipient who only wanted to be known as Mimie, said she appreciated the presence of a pump attendant to assist her in the verification process at the pump terminal.
She also said today’s rollout also coincided with her need to refuel her vehicle.
“Really, really convenient. My thanks to the government for giving a good price,” the retail executive who resides at the Kerinchi People’s Housing Project (PPR) said.
STR recipient who only wanted to be known as Mimie seen here inserting her MyKad to verify her eligibility for subsidised petrol under the Budi Madani RON95 (BUDI95) initiative programme. — Picture by Yusof Isa
Under Budi95, qualified Malaysians can purchase up to 300 litres of RON95 petrol a month at RM1.99 per litre. Any amount beyond that will be charged at the market price, currently RM2.60 per litre.
All Malaysian citizens with a valid driver’s licence are eligible for the subsidy. Based on Road Transport Department (JPJ) and National Registration Department (JPN) data, over 16 million people are expected to qualify.
