Kuala lumpur: The BUDI MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) initiative introduced by the government in September 2025 has the potential to evolve into a national-scale data management ecosystem beyond its role as a mechanism to target petrol subsidies.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Department of Computing and Artificial Intelligence senior lecturer Dr Mohamad Shukor Talib stated that the initiative represents a strategic big data platform as it involves the profiles and economic behaviour of nearly 33.4 million residents. The compiled data includes crucial information such as user profiles, transaction patterns, and the time and volume of monthly petrol consumption, which could significantly aid future national planning.
Dr Mohamad Shukor emphasized that big data management necessitates large storage capacity and efficient algorithms to ensure quick access and data accuracy, while also prioritizing security to prevent data loss or manipulation. He noted that machine learning technology enables algorithms to analyze and learn data patterns, generating insights that could assist the government. These algorithms can forecast future petrol consumption and classify BUDI95 usage into relevant groups, considering factors such as time, peak periods, festive seasons, and vehicle types, which allow the government to identify consumption profiles from low users to those exceeding subsidy limits.
Meanwhile, UTM Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying senior lecturer Dr Mohammad Zakri Tarmidi suggested that the effectiveness of BUDI95 could be enhanced by integrating Geographic Information System (GIS) technology with location-based analysis. By utilizing geospatial data, authorities can map areas with a high concentration of residents eligible for BUDI95. Location-based analysis could help identify consumption hotspots, stabilize petrol logistics particularly in rural areas, and detect unusual usage trends through integration with Internet of Things (IoT) sensors.
Dr Mohammad Zakri also mentioned that geospatial data integration could identify 'white areas' with limited access to petrol stations, enabling the government to plan incentives for new stations. Without geospatial data, BUDI95 information would become 'blind data', lacking location context. However, with geospatial integration, data visualization improves, facilitating more accurate and efficient decision-making.
Both academics concurred that data security and privacy must be prioritized, incorporating anonymization techniques and end-to-end encryption to ensure transparency and maintain public trust. Under the BUDI95 program, Malaysian citizens aged 16 and above who hold a MyKad and an active driving license are eligible to purchase subsidized RON95 petrol of up to 300 liters per month at RM1.99 per liter.