[UPDATED] BMWs are not Kancils: govt likely to cut blanket fuel subsidies

KUALA LUMPUR – The government is likely to introduce a targeted fuel mechanism to cushion the impact of the rising crude oil prices, especially for the lower-income group, said International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.

He said the government is still working on a suitable structure following the sharp jump in the projected fuel subsidy cost this year to RM28 billion, compared to RM11 billion last year.

“We talked about the review in a special retreat recently.

“Those with BMWs cannot enjoy the same subsidies as those with Kancils,” he said during a press conference on the Trade and Investment Promotion Mission to the United States today.

Last month, Petronas Dagangan Bhd disclosed that it had been working closely with the Finance Ministry on the increase of the fuel subsidy cost amid near-record high crude oil prices.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Economy) Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed also said the government is still working on a suitable structure for the targeted fuel mechanism, which is expected to be completed soon. – Bernama, May 21, 2022

In late March, The Vibes reported that the Malaysia Productivity Corporation under Azmin's ministry appeared intent on pushing for what it is termed as a “rationalisation of subsidy”.

Among the subsidies that are being proposed for rationalisation include RON95 fuel as well as agricultural products like sugar and rice.