WHEN the government introduced the BUDI95 initiative, Malaysians wasted no time in making their way to the nearest petrol stations.
It is not every day that fuel prices are set at RM1.99 per litre, especially in an era where every penny saved matters.
The sight of longer queues at the pumps was a clear indication of just how much people welcomed the relief.
In only four days, the response was overwhelming.
Nearly three million users had already tapped into the subsidy, with sales climbing beyond £91 million.
By the evening of the first day, around two million Malaysians had benefited, proving just how quickly the initiative took off.
What stands out about BUDI95 is its sheer scale.
Roughly 16 million Malaysians aged 16 and above who hold valid driving licences are eligible.
Each individual is allowed up to 300 litres of RON95 petrol per month at the subsidised rate, compared to the current market price of RM2.05 per litre.
For those who depend on fuel for their livelihood, such as e-hailing drivers, the limit does not apply, recognising that their needs go beyond an average commuter’s.
The scheme also provides leeway for those whose driving licences expired less than three years ago, giving them access to the subsidy while encouraging renewals.
It is a practical balance between flexibility and responsibility.
Another important aspect of the initiative lies in the government’s plan to include boat owners in Sabah and Sarawak.
Many had raised concerns about being excluded despite relying on petrol for their outboard engines.
Their reality is different from those in urban centres, where roads dominate mobility.
In East Malaysia, rivers and seas are not just scenic routes – they are lifelines for travel, fishing, and trade.
Extending the subsidy to these communities means acknowledging their unique circumstances and ensuring that relief is more equitably shared.
It’s easy to dismiss subsidies as blunt instruments, but BUDI95 shows how they can be sharpened to respond to the varied ways Malaysians live and move.
For a driver in Kuala Lumpur, cheaper petrol may ease daily commuting costs.
For a fisherman in Semporna, it can determine whether a day’s catch is profitable.
In Kapit, where boats connect families and businesses, subsidised fuel could mean more accessible trips upriver.
Context shapes value, and BUDI95 recognises that.
The initiative began with a smaller rollout to some 300,000 military and police personnel last Saturday before being extended nationwide.
The speed of uptake since then reflects both the demand for relief and the strength of the system supporting it.
For a policy introduced at scale, the smooth adoption has been a notable success.
Of course, no initiative of this size comes without questions.
Subsidising petrol at RM1.99 per litre benefits the rakyat but inevitably draws from national resources.
How sustainable it will be in the long run remains to be seen.
Balancing affordability for Malaysians with fiscal responsibility will always be a challenge, and adjustments may be necessary down the road.
For now, though, the focus is firmly on easing the burden of rising living costs, and BUDI95 has delivered just that.
On the ground, the impact is immediately felt.
The savings, though seemingly small on paper, ripple outwards into everyday life.
Beyond the economics, BUDI95 carries a symbolic weight.
It signals that fairness and accessibility still matter in policymaking.
It reminds Malaysians that even in tight times, there are measures aimed at lightening the load.
While it may not fix every financial challenge, it demonstrates that small steps can have far-reaching consequences when scaled across millions of people.
The real test will be in its longevity and adaptability.
Extending coverage to boat owners in Sabah and Sarawak would be a meaningful progression, ensuring that the initiative is not confined to highways and city roads but reaches rivers, coasts, and rural communities as well.
That inclusivity would be a mark of success, proving that a policy designed in Putrajaya can touch lives far beyond the peninsula.
BUDI95 may not last forever, but right now, it has struck a chord.
It has shown that even a modest reduction can ease the pressures Malaysians face daily.
For millions of people filling their tanks this week, it is more than just cheaper petrol.
It is a reminder that sometimes, the smallest gestures of relief can travel the furthest.
DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at sarahhafizahchandra@gmail.com.
