Options to access RON95 subsidy

KOTA KINABALU: Multiple payment mechanisms will be available for consumers once the targeted RON95 petrol subsidy is rolled out, says Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.

He assured the public not to worry as MyKad will not be the sole method to access the subsidy, as platforms provided by oil companies, such as Petronas’ Setel and the Shell app, will also be usable once consumers are qualified through MyKad.

“Everything will be based on the eligibility tied to the MyKad, and purchases will not be limited to just one method.

“Don’t worry, don’t think presenting MyKad is the only method,” he said after attending the Sabah Undergraduates Convention officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor in Penampang yesterday.

Armizan stressed that the mechanism will be implemented smoothly without burdening consumers.

“We will ensure this does not cause long queues or inconvenience,” he said, adding that the Finance Ministry will announce details of the subsidy soon.

Armizan also reminded public and goods land transport companies to register early through the Subsidised Petrol Control System (SKPS) to avoid delays in receiving benefits when the RON95 targeted subsidy comes into effect.

“Don’t wait until the last minute.

“Registering and applying through SKPS is simple, and if documents are complete, approval can be given in a day or even within an hour.

“But once approval is obtained, companies still need to apply for fleet cards from oil companies, and that process will take time,” he said.

As of now, registration remains low at only 89 vehicles in Sabah and six in Sarawak despite an estimated 4,647 vehicles being eligible.

Nationwide, the Transport Ministry said that from Sept 15 to 20, 1,790 companies involving 5,449 vehicles had applied, with 164 companies involving 249 vehicles completing registration.

About 100,000 vehicles from these companies nationwide are estimated to qualify for the RON95 subsidy.

Armizan also clarified that unlike the diesel subsidy, which is targeted only in the peninsula, the RON95 subsidy will be implemented nationwide, including Sabah and Sarawak.

“Maybe there is confusion, with some who may assume Sabah and Sarawak are excluded like with the targeted diesel subsidy,” he said.