KUALA LUMPUR, 23 September 2025 — The digital backend infrastructure for Malaysia’s new Budi95 fuel subsidy programme will be managed by TNG Digital Sdn Bhd, according to Treasury Secretary-General Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican. The announcement adds clarity to previously vague aspects of how the state-led subsidy will be verified and delivered.
Through its wholly-owned unit Nadi Tech Sdn Bhd, TNG Digital will run the central verification system that underpins the fuel subsidy scheme. Under Budi95, eligible Malaysians will be able to purchase up to 300 litres of RON95 per month at RM1.99 per litre starting 30 September, using their MyKad and driving licence with one-time verification through certain fuel retailer apps or the TNG eWallet. Secretary-General Johan confirmed that apps such as Setel by Petronas and CaltexGO by Caltex will integrate with the central system to enable this “one-time verification,” thereby avoiding MyKad scanning at the pump for every refill.
TNG Digital is 45.01% owned by Touch ’n Go Sdn Bhd, which itself is wholly owned, indirectly, by CIMB Group Holdings Bhd. Other shareholders are Ant International Technologies (Hong Kong) Holding Ltd (34.61%), Lazadapay Holdings Pte Ltd (11.38%), ASP Malaysia LP (5.99%) and AIA Bhd (2.99%). When asked about expanding one-time verification beyond the initially announced apps, Johan said the Shell App will incorporate similar verification “within a month or so”.
In total, the Budi95 programme is expected to benefit 16 million eligible Malaysians who possess valid MyKad and driving licences. The system will be accessible at all fuel stations via TNG eWallet or specified retailer apps. Those not using the approved apps will still need to scan their MyKad at the pump to verify their quota balance.
Strategic Implications
Assigning TNG Digital to manage the backend system places a premium on digital identity verification (eKYC), data integrity, and infrastructure reliability. The operation involves integrating with multiple fuel retailer apps, scaling for high transaction volumes, and ensuring security over personal identification data. For TNG Digital, this is a high-visibility government contract that could enhance its stature in government-tech and subsidy distribution systems.
From a government policy perspective, the move streamlines subsidy delivery and reduces friction for end users. One-time verification through apps reduces administrative delays at fuel stations and likely improves user experience. It also hints at further digital inclusions in subsidy and public welfare schemes—using digital platforms and verified identity to ensure efficient, transparent, and accountable systems.
However, the implementation risks include interoperability challenges among apps, ensuring all fuel stations can support the verification systems without glitches, and maintaining data privacy and security, especially given the large volume of MyKad verification.
Investor/Economy Perspective
For tech firms in Malaysia, this development underscores the value of digital government contracts and the growing importance of eWallets and digital identity solutions. TNG Digital, already operating TNG eWallet, gains both revenue opportunities and credibility. Shareholders and observers will watch for how well the system performs once running, particularly whether user adoption of the approved apps is smooth and how the quota system works in practice.
Economically, enabling 16 million Malaysians to receive fuel subsidies through a digitised, one-time verification workflow should reduce leakages and operational inefficiencies in subsidy distribution. The cost to government and the administrative overhead associated with manual checks may decline, potentially freeing up resources for other public spending priorities.
