The Ministry of Finance (MOF) has issued a stern warning following a viral video depicting a man and a woman filling a large container with RON95 petrol inside the boot of a car at a petrol station in Mutiara Rini. According to an official statement released by the ministry, preliminary investigations have identified the individuals involved as Malaysian citizens and MyKad holders. The ministry views this matter with gravity as it represents a direct violation of regulations governing fuel subsidies and undermines national efforts toward targeted social assistance.
Authorities clarified that such actions constitute a misuse of fuel subsidies provided under the BUDI95 Programme, a scheme designed to ensure transparent and effective subsidy management for eligible citizens. By bypassing standard refueling procedures, the individuals have potentially disrupted the government’s framework for ensuring that aid reaches the intended groups. Consequently, the MOF announced it will take immediate action to blacklist the identification cards used during the transaction, effectively barring the vehicle owner and the involved parties from continuing to enjoy BUDI95 benefits.
The government maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding any leakages or abuses of subsidies, particularly in the current economic climate which demands strict control over fuel supply and pricing. This incident, which reportedly took place on Saturday night, involved a vehicle with a Johor registration number. Social media footage of the event showed the pump display exceeding 71 litres of RON95 petrol, with the total payment for the transaction surpassing RM230, indicating a significant volume of fuel was diverted into the private container.
It is a legal offence under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 to purchase subsidised fuels such as RON95 or diesel using containers or drums without a valid permit. The ministry emphasised that enforcement activities will be intensified across the country to curb such irresponsible activities and protect public resources. These regulations are in place to prevent the illegal stockpiling or smuggling of subsidised goods, which ultimately places an unfair burden on the national treasury and law-abiding taxpayers.
To maintain the integrity of the subsidy system, the public is encouraged to report any suspected cases of fuel misuse or provide relevant information to the authorities. Official complaints can be directed to the BUDI MADANI Service Centre, which handles matters related to the administration of these targeted subsidies. The MOF reiterates its commitment to ensuring that every ringgit of government spending on fuel reaches the rightful beneficiaries through rigorous monitoring and firm enforcement actions against offenders.
