Budi95: 300l sufficient for monthly usage, covers about 170km a day, says Amir Hamzah

BALIK PULAU: The allocation of 300 litres per month of subsidised RON95 is deemed sufficient for a vehicle’s monthly usage, says Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.

The Finance Minister II said based on studies conducted, it was found that 300l represents the average consumption, as it covers about 170km of daily commuting for cars in that category.

“So, for example, if someone lives in Seremban and works in Kuala Lumpur or Putrajaya, it falls within the 170km we estimated,” he said in a press conference during the engagement session of Kampung Angkat Madani at Pulau Betong here on Monday (Sept 22).

“For workers such as p-hailing drivers who rely on their cars, we will allow them to appeal for a higher quota,” he said.

He said this is because it is their livelihood, but they must have a valid licence as a p-hailing driver and receive approval for the additional allocation.

He said more details on the implementations will be announced this week.

Amir Hamzah, who is also serving as the Economy Minister, affirmed that MyKad will be the main identification tool for Malaysians to access the RON95 petrol subsidy programme.

“There are several key criteria to remember when it comes to subsidy eligibility.

“The recipient must be a Malaysian citizen aged 16 and above.

“This means those who already hold a motorcycle or car licence will qualify for the subsidy,” he said.

He said using MyKad is the most effective way to implement the subsidy system, as every Malaysian is issued with MyKad from the age of 12.

He said this allows the ministry to distinguish between citizens and non-citizens.

“With this approach, we can address the issue of ineligible individuals. Without identity card or without a blue IC, there will be no access to the RON95 subsidy adjustment.

“We also know that under the existing conditions, foreigners driving vehicles from outside Malaysia, such as from Singapore or Thailand, are not eligible for subsidies because their cars are not registered in Malaysia.

“This requirement remains in force at petrol stations. If you come to the station, you cannot buy RON95 unless the vehicle is registered in Malaysia, even if you may hold a blue identity card.

“Without these measures, government spending would be wasted, when it should instead be channelled to Malaysians who truly need it,” he said.

He said with the usage of MyKad for aid distributions, for example, the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) system, which covers over nine million individuals using their MyKad, the government have no issues with it.

He said there is no need to develop a new card or system as existing infrastructure is sufficient to support the subsidy implementation, which will begins on Sept 30.

Amir Hamzah said the use of MyKad also reinforced national identity and pride.

He said when someone holds the MyKad, they would feel proud.

“MyKad is the key to accessing benefits like the RON95 subsidy. If they do not have it, they are not eligible,” he said

In adressing security concerns, he assured that the government’s IT system followed strict security protocols under current regulations.

He said Malaysians also understood the importance of protecting their MyKad, as they are linked to numerous essential services.