A SENIOR minister has clarified remarks made during a fireside chat at an AFFIN Bank event this morning, after his comments on energy strategy and fuel consumption were widely reported in a manner he says distorted their intended meaning.
Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong, in a subsequent Facebook post on Tuesday, stressed that the discussion was framed around broader global energy challenges and domestic fuel management considerations, and categorically denied that any new government policy had been announced or that a 150-litre fuel cap had been put forward as a policy proposal.
“It’s unfortunate that what I said was taken out of the context. In no instance I announced anything on behalf of the government, and in no instance that I announced the 150 litres limit as potential government policy.”
Liew said his remarks were aimed at highlighting the importance of data-based policy tools and responsible consumption habits in ensuring long-term fuel security for the country.
He pointed in particular to the role of the Budi95 mechanism in understanding national travel and consumption patterns.
“The Budi95 mechanism is a good tool as it provides us with data to understand the travel pattern of Malaysians.
“The top priority of the government and everyone in the society is to ensure that we have sufficient supply for as long as possible.
“As a society, we must ensure that we have petrol supply for the longest of time, and at some point we should build consensus to support the effort to reduce fuel consumption.
“I regret that my comments have caused a media storm and I hope all would consider the full context of what I said.”
He added that his intention was to encourage a more informed public conversation on energy resilience and consumption trends rather than signal any immediate or forthcoming policy change.
The minister also expressed regret over the public reaction triggered by his remarks, saying the controversy could have been avoided had the full context of his comments been properly conveyed.
The clarification comes amid continued public sensitivity surrounding fuel pricing, subsidy rationalisation and broader energy security planning, as Malaysia navigates ongoing global market volatility and domestic fiscal pressures. - May 12, 2026
