Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim recently confirmed that Malaysia’s planned overhaul of RON95 petrol subsidies will move beyond income-based eligibility to also consider ownership of luxury assets. In a written parliamentary response, Anwar—who also serves as Finance Minister—explained that eligibility criteria will include monthly income, property ownership, and ownership of luxury vehicles, all verified via data sources such as the Inland Revenue Board (IRB), the Department of Statistics Malaysia’s Household Income Survey (HIS), and the government’s socio-economic database PADU.

He further assured that at least 85 percent of Malaysians will not be affected by the changes, with exclusions largely affecting non-citizens and those with sufficient financial means to afford unsubsidised fuel. Anwar noted that the final implementation details will be revealed by the end of September.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance clarified that several delivery mechanisms are being assessed to streamline the subsidy rollout. These include using MyKad identification, e-wallets, or mobile applications developed by fuel companies, all under ongoing refinement in preparation for the September launch.

Source: CNA

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Bernard Lee
Bernard is a social activist dedicated to championing community empowerment, equality, and social justice. With a strong voice on issues affecting grassroots communities, he brings insightful perspectives shaped by on-the-ground advocacy and public engagement. As a columnist for The Ledger Asia, Bernard writes thought-provoking pieces that challenge norms, highlight untold stories, and inspire conversations aimed at building a more inclusive and equitable society.