By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 21: Ownership of property, luxury vehicles, and monthly income will be among the key factors considered in determining eligibility for the RON95 petrol subsidy rationalisation.
In a New Straits Times news report, Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim explained that the government would use multiple data sources, including income records from the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) and findings from the Household Income Survey (HIS) conducted by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), to assess eligibility.
“This approach ensures more accurate targeting of assistance for those who genuinely need it.
“Several additional criteria, such as ownership of property and luxury vehicles, alongside monthly income, will be considered before the final decision is announced by the end of September,” he said in a written parliamentary reply.
He was responding to Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin (PN-Larut), who had asked about the implementation timeline and mechanism for the RON95 rationalisation.
Anwar assured that at least 85 per cent of Malaysians would not be directly affected, stressing that the subsidy would only be excluded for non-citizens and the truly affluent.
He reaffirmed that the government remains committed to introducing targeted RON95 petrol subsidies in the second half of 2025.
On Tuesday (Aug 19), the Ministry of Finance informed that the rollout plan for the RON95 subsidy rationalisation, slated to be unveiled in September, is still being finalised.
Among the options being considered are the use of MyKad, e-wallets, and mobile applications provided by fuel companies to ensure a smooth and consumer-friendly transition.
Currently, the fuel subsidy costs the government about RM19 billion annually. The ministry has previously stated that shifting to a targeted subsidy system for RON95 petrol could save up to RM8 billion each year.
Once implemented, the Ministry of Finance said it will work closely with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) to safeguard fuel price stability and protect public interests. — DayakDaily
