Many seeking a headstart as targeted RON95 petrol subsidy looms ahead

PETALING JAYA: With the RON95 fuel subsidy rationalisation expected mid-year, Malaysians say there should be an avenue to check their eligibility beforehand.

Writer John Seng, 34, said having a platform to check will help consumers plan their expenses better.

“If we are not eligible for the subsidy, it would be good if we could find out earlier so that we can do the necessary budgeting of our finances.

“This will help us adjust our family’s overall monthly expenditures,” said the father of two.

Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan told the Dewan Rakyat in November last year that the RON95 subsidy rationalisation, which is expected to be carried out in the middle of this year, would not impact 85% of Malaysians.

He also said the MyKad will likely be adopted as the main reference point in allocating these targeted subsidies.

On Tuesday, Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib said the government will take into account the economic situation in its decision on the RON95 targeted subsidy.

A self-employed individual, who wanted to be known as Raj, suggested having a website to check a person’s eligibility for the subsidy.

“If the public know of their eligibility earlier, they can prepare accordingly.”

“Perhaps a similar system can be introduced, such as the one used under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah aid, where recipients can check their eligibility using their identification card number,” said Raj, 66.

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) chief executive officer Dr Saravanan Thambirajah suggested that the government establish a system allowing the public to verify their eligibility for the petrol subsidy prior to its implementation date.

“Transparency is essential, especially for those in the M40 segment, to financially plan and adjust their spending in anticipation of possible changes in fuel expenditures,” he said.

Although the government has given an assurance that 85% of the population would not be affected, he said the government should closely monitor the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

“They must swiftly intervene if there are signs of unjustified inflation or profiteering,” he said.

Saravanan said any subsidy rationalisation must be accompanied by clear communication, transparency in eligibility criteria, and easy access to verification tools.

Gabungan E-hailing Malaysian (GEM) chief activist Jose Rizal urged e-hailing service providers to plan ahead of the RON95 subsidy rationalisation.

“These platforms should review the fare structure for e-hailing drivers to match current operational expenses, such as introducing dynamic pricing rates and taking into account fuel prices and unexpected factors,” he said when contacted.

He said the platforms should introduce petrol rebate initiatives or special incentives for e-hailing drivers.

“GEM calls for e-hailing drivers to be included as part of the targeted subsidies scheme or at least for a special scheme for gig workers.

“We also urge platform providers and the government to engage with e-hailing drivers to draft a more equal, sustainable and responsive policy in line with the economic situation,” he said, adding that GEM has yet to be engaged in this matter.

He proposed that e-hailing service providers accelerate the transition to electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles by implementing facility schemes for drivers.