Kuala lumpur: The government will not reduce any existing subsidies to the people despite being projected to bear almost RM40 billion in petroleum product subsidies this year due to the conflict in West Asia. Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong emphasized the government's commitment to maintaining various forms of assistance, including Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the implementation of BUDI MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) since September last year has successfully shielded the public from the impact of rising global oil prices during the peak of the West Asia crisis in March and April. "With the set price and the quota given, the people are not affected and are not influenced by what is happening in West Asia," Liew stated during an oral question and answer session at the Dewan Rakyat.

He further explained that despite the actual price reaching RM5 per litre in March and April, the people continued to pay RM1.99 per litre, thanks to the BUDI95 initiative. This initiative has introduced fixed prices during crises and ensured a steady supply of oil for the public. Liew was responding to a supplementary question from Mohd Sany Hamzan (PH-Hulu Langat) regarding the potential reduction of other subsidies, including food, STR, SARA assistance, or school aid, in light of the substantial petroleum subsidy projection.

Liew affirmed the government's efforts to maintain stability in petrol prices and fuel supply despite global market uncertainties, highlighting the effectiveness and benefits of the BUDI95 program. He remarked, "This, I think, is the uniqueness and also the advantage of BUDI95. In Malaysia, we still queue in traffic jams because we have a supply of oil."