Just yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the monthly BUDI MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) allocation for individuals will be temporarily reduced from 300 litres to 200 litres, taking effect from 1 April.
According to Anwar, the move comes in response to global oil market uncertainties and the impact of conflicts in West Asia on supply and the world economy.
Anwar added that the adjustment won’t affect most users, as data shows that the average BUDI95 usage is around 100 litres, and nearly 90% of the population consumes less than 200 litres per month.
Dr Akmal stands up for the 10%
Following the announcement, UMNO Youth Chief Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh urged the Prime Minister not to overlook the remaining 10% who will be affected.
Datuk dr akmal saleh
On his Facebook page, Akmal highlighted the 10% of Malaysians in a video, pointing out that they are likely the ones who need help the most.
“That 10% who are affected are the ones who really rely on BUDI95 for their daily lives. Many of them work in the city but cannot afford to rent a home there because city housing prices are too high.
“As a result, they are forced to rent outside the city, which means they have to travel back and forth. Some even have to travel up to 100 km for a single day of usage,” he explained.
“These people were struggling even before the subsidy existed”
Akmal also pointed out that cutting the petrol subsidy from 300 litres to 200 litres could end up hurting the 10% of Malaysians who rely on it to cover their daily needs.
“There are even cases of long-distance couples, where the husband and wife have to live far apart. Every week, they travel long distances just to go home and see their spouse and children. These are people whose petrol usage sometimes goes over 200 litres,” he said.
He urged that Anwar take this 10% into consideration, noting that their lives would become even tighter if the subsidy were reduced.
“I would also like to remind the Prime Minister that these people were struggling even before the subsidy existed. The 300-litre subsidy has been a big help for them. But if it’s cut down to 200 litres, their monthly commitments will increase, adding more pressure to their lives.”
Meanwhile, in another post, Akmal also called on the government to clarify what they have planned for those affected by the move.
“Is there a special mechanism for them? Any flexibility for certain cases? Or are we just looking at the numbers and leaving them to figure it out on their own? These are basic questions the government needs to answer,” he wrote.
You can watch the full video below:
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments!
Also read: PMX Says Govt Saves RM800 Million a Month Thanks to BUDI95, Reveals Where All the Money Went
