The government has been urged to consider all proposals put forward to assist the people who have been severely affected by the adjustment of the BUDI95 petrol subsidy eligibility cap from 300 litres to 200 litres per month, effective 1 April, following global pressures arising from the West Asian conflict.
UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said he had proposed that the salaries of Members of Parliament and state assemblymen (ADUN), whether from the government or the opposition, be reduced.
Akmal saleh
According to him, the move would allow them to experience firsthand the hardships currently faced by the people.
“We ask the people to practise frugality, yet even before their subsidies were cut, they were already living frugally, all the more so now that these subsidies are being reduced,” he said in a statement.
Akmal, who is also the Merlimau state assemblyman, was commenting on a statement by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, who said that the majority of Malaysians would not be affected by the RON95 subsidy adjustment, as about 90% of fuel users in the country consume only around 100 litres per month.
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He said the adjustment of the BUDI95 eligibility limit from 300 to 200 litres per month was a balanced approach to ensure assistance continues to benefit the targeted groups without jeopardising the country’s financial position.
Surge in crude oil prices
According to him, the world is currently facing increasingly challenging global pressures, including a surge in crude oil prices, which has had a significant impact on many countries.
“In Hong Kong, petrol prices have reached around RM14 per litre, while in Singapore, they are about RM10 per litre. This is the reality the world is facing today,” he said.
Saifuddin stressed that under such circumstances, the government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has taken a clear stand to continue protecting the people.
Datuk seri anwar ibrahim
“Although the actual market price of RON95 has reached around RM3.87 per litre, the government has maintained the subsidised price at RM1.99 per litre. This is not an easy decision, but it is proof of leadership willing to make tough choices for the welfare of the people,” he said.
Commenting further, Akmal emphasised that while the subsidy cuts may seem small and insignificant to some individuals, “Believe me, it may be a small amount for them, but it is very significant and impactful for others,” he said, adding that there is a clear difference between figures on paper and the realities faced by the people.
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Also read: Dr Akmal Hits Back at BUDI95 Quota Cut, Tells PMX the “Affected 10%” are M’sians Who Need Help Most
