SOME 10,000 people in Peninsular Malaysia have taken advantage of the early access phase of the BUDI Madani Diesel (BUDI Diesel) subsidy scheme since its launch yesterday, with authorities reporting no technical or operational issues during the rollout.
Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the early access period will run for four days before full implementation of the scheme begins on Wednesday.
He said the phased rollout was designed to ensure a smooth transition to the new subsidy mechanism, which is intended to be more flexible and targeted.
"The rollout includes small traders as well as company-owned private pickups and jeeps," he said at a press conference after launching an ATV Safari tourism product.
Amir said one of the key improvements under the scheme is the introduction of a transfer mechanism allowing vehicle owners to pass their diesel subsidy eligibility to family members who are the actual users of the vehicles.
He said the change was introduced following public feedback, particularly from rural communities in Sabah and Sarawak, where vehicle usage patterns often involve family members registering or purchasing diesel on behalf of one another.
"We took note of the situation in rural Sabah and Sarawak, where children sometimes register or purchase diesel on behalf of their parents, even though they are not the actual users of the vehicle.
"Therefore, this new system allows vehicle owners to transfer their subsidised diesel quota to family members who use the vehicle," he said.
He added that users can update their details through the official BUDI Madani Diesel portal.
Under the scheme, eligible consumers can purchase subsidised diesel at RM2.15 per litre with a flexible quota of up to 200 litres, before the rate is adjusted to RM2.10 per litre when full implementation begins on Wednesday. - June 28, 2026