Kuala lumpur: Eligible Malaysians began enjoying fuel cost savings today as the early access phase of the BUDI MADANI Diesel (BUDI Diesel) programme commenced, with the purchase of subsidised diesel at petrol stations across Peninsular Malaysia proceeding smoothly.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, under the early access phase in Peninsular Malaysia, subsidised diesel is sold at RM2.15 per litre using MyKad verification at participating petrol stations. The programme will be fully rolled out nationwide on July 1, with eligible Malaysians able to purchase subsidised diesel at RM2.10 per litre.
A check at a petrol station along Jalan Tun Razak found that the purchase of subsidised diesel using MyKad verification proceeded smoothly without any issues. A motorist, Hazwan Nik Ismail, 28, said the process of purchasing diesel using MyKad was straightforward and took only a short time. He noted that the application process to obtain the diesel subsidy is simple and can be completed online.
In Kedah, the supervisor of a petrol station in Seberang Pendang, Mohd Faizal Ishak, stated that the station conducted two system tests to ensure transactions proceeded smoothly. Nearly 10 eligible customers had successfully purchased subsidised diesel without any disruptions by 11 am.
Durian orchard operator Ai Tean Ai Ching, 65, expressed that the targeted BUDI Diesel subsidy had greatly helped Malaysians cope with the rising cost of living. He shared that he purchased RM70 worth of diesel and received 32.56 litres, saving significantly compared to unsubsidised prices.
In Perak, small-scale food trader Mohammad Fairuz Ramli, 46, emphasized the importance of his four-wheel-drive vehicle for his business, noting that the subsidy allows him to save 30 to 40 per cent on diesel expenses. The savings help cover other operating costs of his business.
In Selangor, logistics company owner Muhammad Khoidin, 42, highlighted that the implementation of BUDI Diesel has alleviated the financial burden caused by higher diesel prices, giving his business a new lease of life.
In Pahang, Marilyn Shi Ming, 42, mentioned that she had rarely used her four-wheel-drive vehicle due to high diesel costs. With the subsidy, she can now take longer trips, though she hopes the government will reconsider the BUDI Diesel quota mechanism.
In Kelantan, Mohd Asri Musa, 60, noted that the implementation of BUDI Diesel had brought relief to diesel vehicle owners affected by rising prices. Pertubuhan Mesra Pengguna Malaysia chairman Datuk Seri Haniff Omar described the targeted subsidy mechanism under the BUDI Diesel programme as fairer, ensuring assistance reaches those who genuinely qualify.