The government is set to bring forward a proposal to increase the BUDI95 petrol subsidy quota for p-hailing riders by an additional 50 litres at the National Economic Action Council meeting this Tuesday.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the matter was raised by gig industry workers during the “Majlis Ramah Mesra Bersama Rakyat” held at Dewan Terbuka, Desa Mutiara Tebrau.
According to Anwar, p-hailing riders had voiced concerns over the current fuel allocation, which now stands at 200 litres monthly. He said the government is looking into ways to ease the burden faced by riders who rely heavily on petrol for daily income.
“P-hailing riders did ask about it, so I told them I will bring the matter up for discussion at Tuesday’s meeting because they are currently receiving 200 litres,” he said in his speech at the event.
He also called on Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil to help find a solution that would allow the quota to be increased by at least another 50 litres.
Anwar added that any further increase in the subsidy quota would likely be implemented in stages to ensure the programme remains manageable and sustainable in the long run.
“Once they receive the extra 50 litres, later people may ask for another 50 litres. We have to do it gradually. They did not ask for it directly, but I was the one who raised the issue,” he said.
The Prime Minister noted that the government understands the struggles faced by gig workers, especially those relying on p-hailing jobs as their main source of income amid rising living costs.
In March, the government revised the eligibility for the RON95 petrol subsidy under the BUDI95 programme, reducing the monthly quota from 300 litres to 200 litres effective April 1.
Anwar previously explained that the decision was made following growing tensions in West Asia, which have continued to impact global energy supply and fuel prices.
