Accra:Sabah A total of 52,133 owners of diesel vehicles, including pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles (SUVs), in Sabah have been granted approval for an additional 100 litres of diesel through the BUDI MADANI Diesel (BUDI Diesel) programme as of October 12, 2026, According to Ministry of Finance (MoF).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the ministry highlighted that the additional eligibility criteria address the higher diesel consumption needs, particularly for rural residents, small traders, farmers, and others who use diesel vehicles for income generation. Additionally, 19,008 applications for the transfer of BUDI Diesel eligibility have been approved, with 5,555 originating from Sabah.

The government initiated the diesel subsidy targeting reform under the BUDI Diesel programme in phases beginning June 27, 2026, and expanded it nationwide by July 1, 2026. This was in response to a query from Vivian Wong Shir Yee (Sandakan-PH) about the diesel subsidy approach in Sabah, as published in a written answer on Parliament's website.

For users beyond individual vehicle owners, the MoF stated the government also considers the needs of groups such as boat operators and users of electric generators and water pumps in rural areas. These groups can potentially receive BUDI Diesel assistance via the MyKad mechanism, contingent upon eligibility and verification by state authorities and relevant agencies.

The initiative aims to ensure that those genuinely reliant on diesel for daily needs can access assistance. The government will keep monitoring the BUDI Diesel programme using usage data, user feedback, and input from relevant sectors to refine the subsidy distribution process, ensuring it remains efficient, fair, and targeted.