Muar: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today stressed that the recently announced subsidised price of RON95 petrol at RM1.99 per litre is exclusively for Malaysians, while foreigners will be charged the current market rate.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the move is crucial to ensure that the government’s substantial subsidies are enjoyed solely by Malaysian citizens, in line with the MADANI Government’s commitment to social justice. Anwar emphasized that RON95 petrol is sold to Malaysians at RM1.99 per litre, whereas foreigners and tourists, including those from Singapore, will have to pay the market rate of RM2.50 or RM2.60 per litre. He clarified that this policy is not discriminatory but rather a sovereign nation’s effort to protect its citizens’ welfare.
Anwar made these remarks during his speech at the National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang 2025 Campaign launch at Dataran Tanjung Emas. The event was attended by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and Information Department director-general Julina Johan.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the targeted subsidy initiative is expected to reduce government expenditure, which has long been benefiting foreigners who neither pay taxes nor contribute directly to the national economy. He also criticized an opposition leader from Johor for questioning the decision to limit the fuel subsidy to Malaysian citizens. Anwar asserted that his primary responsibility is to look after the welfare of Malaysians, noting that foreigners do not pay taxes like the locals.
Anwar further stated that fuel prices in Malaysia are not raised arbitrarily and that, despite fiscal pressures, the government has maintained some of the lowest prices in the region. He compared Malaysia’s fuel prices to those of neighboring countries like Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia, where prices are significantly higher. The Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to providing RON95 at RM1.99 per litre as part of his responsibility.
He concluded by noting that savings from the subsidy rationalisation initiative would be allocated towards strengthening welfare programs, rural development, and gradually increasing the minimum wage in the public sector and government-linked companies.