RON95 Subsidy Malaysia: MyKad, E-Wallet & Who Qualifies for Cheap Fuel

Malaysians, brace yourselves, filling up with RON95 is about to feel less like pumping petrol and more like applying for a bank loan.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed that subsidies will no longer be a free for all. Instead, the government will now ask some important life questions before letting you enjoy cheaper fuel, like how much do you earn ? Do you own property ? How many ? Is that a luxury car you’re driving, or just a Myvi with oversized rims ?

To figure out who deserves the subsidy, multiple data sources will be cross checked, income records from the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN), household income surveys from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), and the all seeing PADU database. In other words, Big Brother isn’t just watching, he’s also scrolling through your bank statements and property guru browsing history.

And if you happen to own a bungalow and a Porsche, don’t expect your RON95 to be subsidised. You’ll be politely invited to join the RON97 club, no membership card required, just deeper pockets.

Swipe, Scan, Pump. This is how the subsidy will actually reach your tank I am guessing.  The Ministry of Finance says options being explored include MyKad, e-wallets, and fuel apps. Which means, soon enough, you might roll up to the petrol station, tap your MyKad, scan a QR code, and wait for the pump to whisper, “Congratulations, you qualify for cheap petrol”. If you don’t qualify, well, the app might just send you a notification, “Sorry boss, you’re too atas. Please proceed to RON97.”

Currently, fuel subsidies cost the government about RM19 billion a year. By switching to a targeted system, they’re hoping to save RM8 billion annually, money that can go towards schools, healthcare, or finally fixing that blinking traffic light in your neighbourhood.

The government insists 85% of Malaysians won’t feel any pinch, which is comforting. Unless, of course, you’re the unlucky 15%, in which case, better start making friends with your nearest motorbike guy. The final system will be announced in September. Until then, all Malaysians can do is speculate. Will it be a MyKad swipe, a QR scan, or maybe even a karaoke test at the pump to prove you’re truly rakyat marhaen ? It is all left to be seen.

One thing’s certain, in the new Malaysia, you can be poor, you can be rich, but if you want cheap petrol, make sure your ride doesn’t scream “luxury.” Because nothing says irony like rolling up in a Lamborghini and asking for subsidised fuel.