The Ministry of Finance (MOF), in a written reply to Parliament, confirmed that the mechanism for rolling out the upcoming RON95 petrol subsidy rationalisation is still being finalised. It noted that MyKad, e-wallets, and mobile applications from fuel companies are among the options being studied to deliver the aid.
The response came after several Members of Parliament pressed for details on the initiative. Former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (PN-Bera) asked how the government intends to identify eligible recipients, while Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin (PN-Larut) sought clarification on the mechanism, timeline, and the basis for the government’s claim that 85% of Malaysians would not be negatively affected.
According to the ministry, the eligibility criteria are still being refined in consultation with multiple stakeholders to ensure an effective delivery method. Only non-citizens and individuals with sufficient financial means to afford unsubsidised fuel will be excluded.
The eligibility framework will involve cross-referencing income records from the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN), household income surveys from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), and data from the government’s centralised socio-economic database PADU. Other factors, such as ownership of luxury homes and vehicles, will also be taken into account.
Once implemented, MOF said it will work with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) to monitor fuel price stability and safeguard public interest. As previously announced by the ministry, the finalised system is expected to be revealed in September.
(Source: The Edge Malaysia)
