Not sure if you qualify for RM1.99 petrol? Here’s how to check your Budi95 subsidy eligibility
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 — Malaysia’s new fuel subsidy overhaul is expected to save the government between RM2.5 billion and RM4 billion annually — but for millions of motorists, the impact will be felt one litre at a time.
Beginning this weekend, eligible Malaysians can purchase RON95 at the subsidised price of RM1.99 per litre, with usage capped at 300 litres per month.
No registration is required. Malaysians only need to enter their MyKad (IC) number to confirm eligibility, which can be done through the official portal at budi95.gov.my.
The rollout starts with police and military personnel on September 27, followed by those who receive STR aid on September 28. From September 30, 2025, the scheme will be extended to all eligible Malaysians nationwide.
Each eligible driver will be entitled to a monthly quota of 300 litres of subsidised RON95. The Ministry of Finance estimates this is sufficient for 99 per cent of Malaysian motorists. To put it into perspective, a vehicle consuming 10 litres per 100km could travel up to 3,000km per month — roughly 100km a day — within the quota.
Motorists who exceed the 300L limit may still purchase RON95, but at the unsubsidised market rate.
Eligibility and remaining quota can also be checked through the Setel app.
The subsidy is open to all Malaysians with a valid MyKad and an active driving licence. This includes holders of the Competent Driving Licence (CDL), Probationary Driving Licence (PDL), and Learner Driving Licence (LDL).
However, Transport Minister Anthony Loke has stressed that the 2.4 million licences expired for more than three years will not qualify. These holders must re-sit their driving test to regain eligibility.
Foreign-registered vehicles are not permitted to purchase RON95, whether subsidised or unsubsidised, and may only pump RON97. Foreigners driving Malaysian-registered vehicles may buy RON95, but without subsidy.
For Malaysians flagged as ineligible, possible issues include:
- Outdated driving licence records, which must be updated with the Road Transport Department (JPJ).
- Incorrect licence class or type, which requires verification at JPJ.
- MyKad details not found, which requires verification at the National Registration Department (JPN).
- No active car or motorcycle licence on record, which must be updated with JPJ.
Those who remain ineligible will still have access to RON95, but only at the unsubsidised price, estimated at around RM2.60 per litre, subject to market-based float pricing.
