About 90% of Malaysians are using less than two-thirds of the 300-litre monthly quota under the RON95 petrol subsidy scheme, Budi Madani (BUDI95), according to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He noted that data since the programme’s launch in September shows an average usage of around 100 litres per month per user.
“BUDI95 records an average of 3.1 million transactions daily, or up to 96 million transactions monthly, demonstrating that the purchase of subsidised RON95 remains smooth,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday.
Anwar added that the 300-litre monthly cap is sufficient for typical usage, with 90% of users consuming less than 200 litres per month.
He made the remarks in response to Fong Kui Lun (PH-Bukit Bintang), who asked about the savings achieved under BUDI95 in 2025 and projected savings for 2026.
Under the BUDI95 scheme, all Malaysian citizens aged 16 and above with a valid driving licence are eligible to purchase RON95 petrol at RM1.99 per litre, up to 300 litres monthly. Without the subsidy, the petrol price is RM2.60 per litre.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, emphasised that the Madani administration has taken a phased, targeted approach to subsidies, aiming to assist the public without compromising welfare. Following successful targeting of electricity and diesel subsidies, the RON95 subsidy was implemented.
“The government did not adopt recommendations from the World Bank and some economists to float petrol prices and provide cash assistance only to low-income groups,” he said.
He explained that conventional economic theory does not fully reflect the cost-of-living challenges faced not just by the poor but also by the middle class. Following the World Bank’s suggestion, inflation could rise, further burdening Malaysians.
