Kuala lumpur: The government has saved RM800 million through the implementation of the BUDI MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) programme since Sept 30, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the prime minister, who is also the Minister of Finance, stated that the savings resulted from better targeting of fuel subsidies. The initiative ensures that subsidies are enjoyed only by Malaysians, effectively curbing leakages that previously benefited more than 3.5 million foreigners and addressed fuel smuggling that involved tens of thousands of litres.

'Every ringgit saved is channelled back to the people through initiatives such as the Rahmah Cash Contribution (STR) and the Rahmah Basic Contribution (SARA), in addition to upgrading clinics and hospitals, improving roads, and strengthening infrastructure,' Anwar mentioned in a Facebook post.

Anwar highlighted that targeted fuel subsidies had been a topic of debate for more than 20 years among successive governments, but none had the courage or political will to implement them. The MADANI Government took the bold step of introducing BUDI95 to address these long-standing issues.

Under the BUDI95 programme, all Malaysian MyKad holders aged 16 and above with a valid driving licence are eligible to purchase subsidised RON95 fuel of up to 300 litres per month at RM1.99 per litre, compared with RM2.60 per litre without the subsidy.