Only motorists earning RM5K and below entitled to subsidized fuel

PETALING JAYA - The government is prepared to implement a new mechanism allowing only individuals meeting certain criteria to purchase subsidized petrol and diesel beginning September.

It is anticipated that individuals earn less than RM5,000 a month and their vehicles' engines are below 2,000cc in order to be entitled to fuel subsidies, while those earning between RM5,000 and RM10,000 might be entitled to 300 liters of subsidized petrol and diesel.

Those earning more than RM10,000 a month will not be entitled to any subsidized fuel and have to purchase at market prices.

From what we understand, under the new mechanism, vehicle owners earning RM5,000 and below in a month are entitled to fuel subsidies, whether they are driving private or commercial vehicles.

As for vehicle models, it is anticipated that vehicles with engines below 2,000cc will still be entitled to subsidized fuel.

Meanwhile, foreigners and foreign registered vehicles will not be entitled to the fuel subsidies provided by the government.

Domestic trade, cooperatives and consumerism minister Datuk Seri Hasan Malek said the government planned to implement the new mechanism on subsidized fuel sale on commercial vehicles in stages beginning September 1.

He said in a statement that details of the new mechanism would be announced later as the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) would need to further discuss on this matter before making the decision.

Informant from the ministry told Sin Chew Daily the government is exploring the possibility of enhancing the functionality of MyKad to incorporate the feature of "eligibility for purchasing subsidized fuel" or the issuance of a special "fuel card" by either the JPJ or finance ministry for registered vehicle owners meeting the criteria to continuously enjoy subsidized fuel.

"Owners of private or commercial vehicles intending to continuously enjoy the government's fuel subsidies may need to furnish relevant particulars to the authorities such as JPJ in order to be issued with a "fuel card.

"The applicants may need to produce their MyKad, individual or company income tax particulars in order to get the fuel cards.

"The fuel card will have the particulars such as the vehicle owner's name, home address, monthly quota for subsidized fuel, etc. The vehicle owner will have to swipe the card first before they pump the petrol. If the quota has been used up, the vehicle owner will have to purchase RON95 or diesel at market prices.

Translated by DOMINIC LOH
Sin Chew Daily