KUCHING: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced that starting Sept 30, the price of RON95 petrol will be set at RM1.99 per litre, down from RM2.05, for all Malaysian citizens regardless of income level.
Petrol stations in Sarawak say they are ready for the government’s Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95) fuel subsidy programme, which offers eligible Malaysians RON95 petrol at RM1.99 per litre for up to 300 litres per month.
Sarawak Tribune spoke to a few station managers and customers to get their views on this matter.
At Petros Darul Hana, station manager Ahmad Anuar confirmed that his team had completed training and briefings last Saturday at the SEDC Energy headquarters.
“We received training last weekend and were already aware of the subsidy before that. Preparations and staff briefings are done, and we’re only waiting for the official rollout.”
He added that Petros, now in its fourth year of operation, has 14 staff and operates 24 hours. The station has received the Identity Card (IC) verification machine required to check customers’ eligibility.
“We’re ready just waiting to guide our staff on how to use the scanner once the implementation date arrives.”
Ahmad acknowledged some concerns about the launch day.
“We’re honestly nervous because competitors like Petronas have Setel and Shell uses Touch ‘n Go. Petros’ own app is still in planning, and many of our customers are older. We fear system glitches like what happened during the Sara rollout,” he said, noting that new staff will face the challenge of explaining issues to customers if identification checks fail or the system goes down.
Eligibility checks will work similarly to a grocery price scanner. Customers need to present their MyKad and driving licence, and if approved, they will enjoy the subsidised price.
“If the system is down nationwide, customers can still buy RON95 at market price until service resumes,” Ahmad added.
Shell stations are also fully briefed. Roszaina Mus, 24, supervisor at Shell Jalan Astana, said each Shell outlet sent a representative to a Kuching training session last week.
“Verification will be done using a dedicated machine, similar to the MySara system. It’s easier if customers install the Touch ‘n Go app, which shows the remaining monthly quota. Payment can be made directly at the pump by inserting a card first, then scanning the IC. This prevents long queues at the counter.”
The public have welcomed the subsidy, though some hope for even lower prices.
Khairudin Khalid, 54, from Kuching, learned of the programme from his wife and suggested a deeper cut.
“With RM1.99 per litre and 300 litres a month, it helps reduce our burden. But if the government could reduce it to RM1.60 or RM1.70, the impact on the B40 group would be much greater.”
Retiree Ajis B Nen, 63, from Darul Hana, said the subsidy is vital for those on fixed incomes.
“Every Malaysian deserves RON95 at RM1.99 per litre for up to 300 litres monthly. As a pensioner with limited income, every sen saved matters. Fuel price hikes raise living costs across the board, so this programme truly helps.”
The Budi95 initiative aims to cushion Malaysians against rising fuel prices and living costs, with the nationwide implementation expected soon.
