KUCHING: There is no deadline for owners of diesel-powered pick-up trucks and jeeps to apply for the additional 100 litres of subsidised diesel under the BUDI MADANI Diesel (Budi Diesel) programme, said Finance Minister II, Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.
He said the government deliberately decided against setting a timeline for applications to ensure fairness for all eligible vehicle owners, including those who may only acquire a qualifying vehicle in the future.
Owners of diesel pick-up trucks and jeeps can apply for an additional 100 litres of subsidised fuel per month, bringing their total monthly quota to 300 litres under the Budi Diesel mechanism.
“From the eligibility perspective, there is no time limit for applications because we have to understand that someone may not own a diesel vehicle today, but may buy a pick-up truck or jeep next month. Once they own one, they should be eligible to apply.
“We do not want this diesel assistance to be a one-time offer. The basis is fairness to everybody. As long as they own an eligible vehicle and submit an application, they will qualify,” he added.
He said this during a press conference after the engagement session on the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS) 2.0 at Pullman Hotel here today.
Amir Hamzah was responding to questions on whether the government had set a specific timeline for applications for the additional diesel quota.
On concerns over diesel leakage and smuggling, he said the government’s priority is to ensure subsidies are channelled only to those who are entitled to receive them.
He noted that with the diesel price rationalisation exercise, foreign vehicle owners no longer benefit from fuel subsidies as diesel is sold at market prices.
“For diesel, since we have floated the price, when they buy it here, our subsidies do not go to them either, because the price is without subsidy.
“That is important – we do not want government funds meant for the people to be used by others,” he said.
Amir Hamzah added that enforcement agencies, including the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), Royal Malaysian Customs Department and Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) could continue to strengthen monitoring efforts to curb smuggling and other forms of subsidy abuse.
He said the government would continue to assess whether additional mechanisms were needed to address concerns over fuel supply and potential shortages.
“For now, we are focused on rolling out the diesel rationalisation. This alone will significantly reduce leakage, and further measures can be considered if necessary,” he said.
Diesel vehicle owners registered with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and holding valid road tax will automatically be entitled to a base quota of 200 litres without the need for registration.
Under the scheme, the quota allows eligible users to purchase subsidised diesel at RM2.10 per litre starting next month.
Private diesel vehicle owners can check their eligibility status and monthly entitlement online through the official BUDI MADANI portal at www.budimadani.gov.my.
Meanwhile, eligible pickup truck and jeep owners may apply for an additional 100 litres per month via the same portal.
Other qualified private diesel vehicle owners will be entitled to a standard monthly limit of 200 litres.
