UMNO Youth Chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has urged the government to remain vigilant and empathetic toward the 10 per cent of Malaysians expected to be impacted by the recent reduction in the BUDI95 petrol subsidy quota. While the administration noted that the adjustment from 300 litres to 200 litres monthly would not affect the vast majority of the population, Akmal stressed that the minority group involved must not be sidelined. He argued that policy decisions should transcend mere statistical percentages and instead reflect the lived experiences and financial realities of the people.
The appeal follows an announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim regarding the temporary recalibration of the fuel subsidy, which is set to take effect on 1 April. The federal government cited global oil market instability and the economic repercussions of conflicts in West Asia as the primary drivers for this targeted approach. However, Akmal took to social media to question the identity and welfare of those falling within the affected 10 per cent, warning that administrative comfort derived from majority figures does not necessarily translate to relief for the struggling minority.
According to the UMNO Youth leader, the individuals caught in this 10 per cent bracket are not the wealthy, but rather hardworking citizens with limited lifestyle choices. He highlighted that many in this group are forced to reside in rural areas due to exorbitant urban rental costs, resulting in daily commutes spanning hundreds of kilometres. He also pointed out the plight of “weekend husbands” and “weekend wives” who travel extensively between states to maintain family ties, suggesting that for them, fuel is a necessity for survival rather than a luxury.
Akmal further contended that the 100-litre reduction could severely tighten the “breathing room” for these families who are already practicing strict personal austerity. He cautioned the government that while the group might appear small in a statistical report, the impact on their daily lives could be disproportionately heavy. He stressed that this issue is not a matter of the majority versus the minority, but rather a fundamental question of social justice and ensuring that no segment of society is left to shoulder an unfair burden.
While acknowledging the necessity of subsidy rationalisation to ensure national fiscal health, Akmal maintained that such moves must be accompanied by comprehensive and empathetic solutions. He suggested that the government consider implementing specific mechanisms or flexible criteria to assist those who can prove that their high fuel consumption is a direct result of work or family obligations. He concluded by reminding the authorities that these citizens have already been sacrificing to make ends meet, and government policy should aim to alleviate their struggles rather than entrench them.
