Entrepreneur Azman Mashudi said foreigners previously enjoyed the subsidised fuel when they filled up their Malaysian-registered vehicles.

“Before this, Singaporeans and other foreigners could purchase petrol cheaply. But now, only Malaysians will be eligible for such subsidies,” Azman, 55, told FMT.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced this morning that the price of RON95 petrol will be lowered to RM1.99 per litre from RM2.05 for Malaysians effective Sept 30 under the BUDI95 programme.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, previously said the initiative would benefit about 18 million car and motorcycle users.

Non-citizens and large corporations will not be eligible for the subsidised petrol and would have to pay RM2.60 per litre instead, he said.

Azman said the six sen saved would go a long way, especially in terms of his household expenditure, adding the money saved could be used to buy other essential items.

For Dominic Hau, who drives to and fro for work, said the RM1.99 per litre is a blessing, especially since he has to endure traffic jams.

“It helps alleviate the financial burden,” he said.

Retiree Jismi Ahmad Tajudin, 66, said while the subsidised petrol will benefit Malaysians, transparency was important to prevent leakages or misuse of the MyKad.