MILLIONS of low-income Malaysians have begun receiving subsidised petrol under the BUDI95 initiative, with recipients of the Rahmah Cash Aid (STR) expressing relief and gratitude for the government’s targeted approach amid rising living costs.
The initiative, which offers RON95 petrol at RM1.99 per litre, was launched yesterday for military and police personnel, and expanded today to more than five million STR recipients in the B40 income group.
Full implementation is scheduled for 30 September, covering 16 million eligible Malaysians with valid driving licences and MyKad.
Bernama cited, in Perak, 80-year-old Ahmad Tasir Mohd Isa, a retired civil servant from Pengkalan, said the subsidy, though modest, made a meaningful difference to his monthly expenses.
"Although I don’t use a lot of petrol each month, the reduction in RON95 price definitely makes a difference in my monthly expenses," he said, adding that the redemption process was made simple with the assistance of petrol station staff.
Azman Mohamed Yusof, 54, a self-employed worker, said the process was “quick, easy, and hassle-free”, requiring only an identity card at the counter to access the discounted price. “I’m grateful to the government for providing this petrol subsidy to those who truly need it,” he said.
In Kedah, frequent commuter Mohamad Din, 66, from Sungai Petani, welcomed the initiative. “The BUDI95 initiative is a great help. Now, with the price at RM1.99, it really lightens the load,” he said, noting he had previously spent over RM80 on a round trip to Alor Setar.
Others such as Chan Boon Shiang, 61, in Taman Ria, checked their eligibility at petrol stations and were pleased to find the system ready and responsive.
In Melaka, production operator Rohayu Abd Rashid, 38, said although the price difference may appear small, “the savings are significant, especially for those commuting daily.”
In Pahang, technician Muhamad Amir Asraf, 35, said he was initially unsure about using his MyKad to redeem the subsidy but found the process smooth. “This will help reduce misuse of subsidised fuel, particularly near border areas,” he noted.
Rural residents in Kelantan also welcomed the relief. “There’s no long wait, the system verifies eligibility instantly,” said Abdullah Kemat, 43, from Pasir Mas, who drives long distances for work.
Siti Rohana Ismail, 47, who commutes daily from Tumpat to Kota Bharu, called BUDI95 a “wallet saver”. Meanwhile, Pengkalan Chepa resident Roslan Mat Jusoh, 50, said the savings allowed him to redirect funds toward groceries and school expenses. “Although the savings are small, the impact on our family is significant.”
BUDI95 forms part of the wider Budi MADANI initiative aimed at ensuring subsidies reach those who genuinely need them. The programme is expected to significantly benefit lower-income groups by easing daily transport costs and supporting household budgets.
Further details are available via the official portal at [www.budimadani.gov.my](http://www.budimadani.gov.my) or the helpline at 1-300-88-9595. - September 28, 2025
