BUDI95: First Day Runs Smoothly Nationwide

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 27 (Bernama) -- The implementation of the RON95 petrol subsidy under the BUDI MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) subsidy initiative on its first day, involving approximately 300,000 members of the military and police, went smoothly nationwide.

In Penang, several security personnel interviewed by Bernama said the process of refuelling using their identification documents was easy and fast.

"It's really easy and fast; just tap your bank debit card and enter your ID at the payment terminal at the petrol pump, and you can immediately fill up your tank at RM1.99 per litre," said soldier Mohd Fazli Ibrahim, 32.

The groups in question are the first to enjoy the petrol subsidy at a price of RM1.99 per litre, in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's announcement on Sept 22 regarding the initiative, which is being implemented in stages for the people.

After military and police personnel, recipients of the Rahmah Cash Contribution (STR) who are from the B40 group will receive it tomorrow (Sept 28), followed by 16 million Malaysian citizens, aged 16 and above, who have a MyKad and a valid driver's licence as of Sept 30.

Meanwhile, Jelutong police station deputy chief Sergeant Major Herman Deng said he only needed to enter his identification card (IC) number at the payment terminal to complete the transaction, without needing to insert his IC or go to the counter to complete the transaction.

"For those of us who are often rushing to complete assignments, facilities like this are very much needed," he said when met at a petrol station in Jelutong.

Meanwhile, Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying also confirmed that the Ministry of Finance has not received any technical complaints regarding the implementation of the RON95 petrol subsidy under the initiative at petrol stations nationwide.

In Johor, state police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said a total of 9,534 police personnel in the state are eligible to benefit from the initiative, which is seen as helping to ease the burden on officers and members who use private vehicles for duty.

Ab Rahman, who also took the opportunity to check his eligibility and refuel his vehicle at the BUDI95 Promotion Programne at a petrol station in Tangkak, said the BUDI95 process was very easy and fast, while the petrol station staff were seen ready to assist.

Major A. Aaron Steve Abraham, 37, said the targeted subsidy implementation was also a form of appreciation for all Malaysians in managing their daily expenses.

The military officer said that using the MyKad as a requirement is also necessary to ensure that petrol subsidies are channelled to citizens.

“This (BUDI95) is a good initiative with a focus on basic needs, namely fuel. The method of using MyKad to enjoy this benefit is to identify those who are truly eligible to enjoy this new initiative. It’s (MyKad) something every Malaysian should carry," he said when met by Bernama at a petrol station in Senai.

Lt Muhammad Afiq Abu Bakar, 30, said the initiative was timely and met the aspirations of the people, enabling them to plan and save.

Such subsidies, he said, can maintain the exclusive "gift" for Malaysian citizens that foreigners cannot enjoy.

In PERLIS, the state's deputy police chief SAC Mohd Ismail Ibrahim said a total of 1,648 police personnel in the state directly benefitted from the initiative, and its implementation went smoothly.

"This effort not only helps from the perspective of household economics but also boosts the morale and motivation of police personnel to continue serving in maintaining public safety, security and order in Perlis," he told Bernama.

In TERENGGANU, police sergeant Mohd Hizwan Jahaya, 45, said that such subsidies would certainly help Malaysians in carrying out their daily tasks by saving on the cost of their vehicle petrol.

Police officer DSP Norzaini Mat Noor described the initiative as an appreciation for the people of Malaysia and the service of law enforcement officers in maintaining the safety of the people and the country.

In SARAWAK, Corporal Fendy Mutang, 33, said the initiative proves the government's concern in helping Malaysians reduce their daily expenses.

Lance Corporal Shahril Anuar, 32, said the BUDI95 initiative is proof of the MADANI Government's commitment to ensuring the well-being of the people.

--BERNAMA