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 new RON95 price as the subsidies are meant for Malaysians with personal driving licences.
“For those who are ineligible, the price of RON95 will be RM2.60 per litre. For Malaysians, it will be RM1.99 per litre,” he said at the ministry’s monthly assembly in Putrajaya.
Anwar also said that every Malaysian was entitled to 300 litres of RON95 petrol per month, although the usage cap would not apply to e-hailing services.
He said the initiative would be rolled out in phases to facilitate the transition, with members of the police and armed forces – about 300,000 personnel – to enjoy the new rate from Sept 27.
“From Sept 28, B40 households and those from the M40 group receiving Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah will be able to purchase RON95 fuel at RM1.99 per litre.
“From Sept 30, the benefit will be extended to all other eligible Malaysians,” Anwar said.
Anwar also urged Malaysians to ensure that their MyKad chips are functioning and their driving licences are active in order to benefit from the new RON95 price.
“No separate registration is required – just bring your MyKad and (ensure that you have) an active driving licence. In the early days, there may be some delays, so I ask for your patience. Please don’t all rush to the pumps on Sept 30 as it will only cause congestion and long queues.
“Just as with the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah programme, this benefit is provided to all citizens regardless of status or income.
“Some may ask, why should the wealthy also benefit? Because this is a recognition of the contributions of all Malaysians (to the country),” he said.
He also said that based on data from the national registration department and road transport department, over 16 million Malaysians would benefit from the new price.
He added that those who are digitally savvy may use their e-wallets such as Touch ‘n Go or Setel to purchase the RON95 fuel at the new subsidised price without needing to present their MyKad.
“We are grateful that, despite the uncertain economic conditions, we are able to implement a measure that meaningfully reduces the burden on the people. The returns from this subsidy reform will go back to the people in the form of better infrastructure, including flood mitigation.”
RON95 among the cheapest in the world
The government had capped RON95 at RM2.05 a litre since February 2021.
Anwar said that when he announced the reduction of the subsidised RON95 petrol price in July, the price of fuel in Saudi Arabia was the equivalent of 50 sen per litre. Today, it is the equivalent of RM2.61 per litre.
“For one of the world’s largest producers, that is higher than Malaysia’s subsidised price of RM1.99. In Indonesia, petrol is RM3.22, in the Philippines RM4.22, in Thailand RM5.68, and in Singapore – though not a producer – RM9.02.
“Only Brunei’s price is slightly lower than ours,” he said.