THE peaceful patience of individuals waiting to renew or replace their MyKad and the gentle shuffling of queue numbers fill the morning air at the National Registration Department (NRD) counters within the Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) Sarawak.
The federal government announced the nationwide rollout of the Budi95 initiative, allowing all Malaysians to buy RON95 petrol at RM1.99 per litre starting Sept 30.
In order to guarantee that no Malaysian is excluded from the fuel subsidy at petrol stations nationwide, where MyKad verification is necessary, the government provided free replacement of defective MyKad chips between Sept 12 and Oct 7.
Most visitors were there to complete routine paperwork, such as a long-overdue renewal or a change of location.
Patrons’ conversation with Sarawak Tribune at the waiting area quickly revealed a different picture, though, as few understood they might get more than they expected from the free IC chip replacement that was subtly introduced on Monday (Sept 22).
For 33-year-old Hadiq Nashreeq Saieni, the announcement proved a welcome surprise.
“I came to check if my MyKad chip is still functioning, as preparation to enjoy the BUDI95 initiative.
“The MyKad is an essential document and should always be in good condition.
“This mechanism by the government is indeed good and effective.”
Some admitted they were only just learning of the initiative.
Siti Madianayusniza Usop, 31, took the chance to ask about the scheme after completing other errands at UTC.
“They informed me we can come and check the chip at the counter, and if it’s faulty, replacement is free.
“I hope NRD can extend its outreach by setting up mobile counters in rural areas,” she suggested.
Younger visitors voiced a more digital request.
Mohammad Syahrul Ikmal Alaihie, 20, who came to renew his long-held MyKad, said he had not read or seen any mainstream coverage of Budi95 on social media platforms.
“It would help if the government promoted the scheme more on social media, especially on TikTok, so youths like me can stay informed.”
Similarly, Nur Syamsinar Masa, 19, admitted she had only just learned of the free replacement.
“I rarely watch TV or read the news. If the announcement were on social media like X, Threads or even TikTok, many more would know, because this subsidy is important, and the RON95 is a daily necessity.”
The government has outlined a clear timeline for the Budi95 rollout, where the police and Armed Forces personnel will be the first to benefit on Sept 27, followed by Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) recipients on Sept 28.
The initiative will then open to all Malaysians with a valid MyKad and driving licence starting Sept 30.
All Malaysian citizens qualify automatically, provided they have a valid MyKad with a functioning chip and a current driving licence.
Payment at petrol stations will also be easy. At the pump, customers insert their MyKad before fuelling and then pay as usual.
Those who prefer paying at the counter can simply hand over their MyKad with payment.
For users of popular apps such as Setel, Touch ‘n Go, or CaltexGo, a one-time MyKad verification is sufficient, after which they can continue paying normally for future purchases.
To ensure the subsidy is distributed fairly, the government has set a monthly cap of 300 litres of subsidised RON95 per person. However, e-hailing drivers will be exempt from this limit, with more details to be announced later.
Non-citizens and large companies will pay RM2.60 per litre, while foreign-registered vehicles must use RON97 petrol instead of RON95.
