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MEMBERS of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) have welcomed the early implementation of the BUDI MADANI RON95 fuel subsidy (BUDI95), which began today, citing a smooth and hassle-free experience at the pumps.
Under the initiative, around 300,000 military and police personnel are now entitled to purchase RON95 petrol at RM1.99 per litre, below the current market rate of RM2.05, as part of the first phase of the government’s targeted fuel subsidy rollout.
A visit by Buletin TV3 to a Petronas station in Taman Setiawangsa found that ATM personnel were able to refuel without technical issues, with many expressing relief and gratitude.
Captain Zarith Ruslan, Head of the School of Transport at the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s Materiel Management Training Institute, said, “The process at the pump was seamless and user-friendly. This initiative clearly helps ease the daily commuting burden for service members.”
Corporal Hilmi Azlan from the Armed Forces Payroll Unit described the early access for military personnel as a reflection of the government’s concern for national security forces.
“I’m grateful for this early opportunity. The subsidy certainly lightens our daily expenses and is truly appreciated,” he said.
Lieutenant Ahmad Azhari Mohd Yazid from the Navy’s Strategic Communications Division called the programme “an effective form of recognition.”
“It reduces our cost of living and ensures a more transparent implementation without leakage,” he added.
Petronas Head of Strategy and Sustainability Harlina Pikri assured that all necessary preparations had been made at stations nationwide.
“We’ve conducted thorough readiness exercises, and the system is operating smoothly without any disruptions,” she said.
Meanwhile, Bernama cited Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, who visited several petrol stations at midnight to observe the rollout, sharing a video on her official Facebook page and said the system was straightforward.
“It’s very simple. You just scan your MyKad, enter the amount, and make payment,” she said, adding that users may also pay via the Touch ‘n Go app.
Teo also addressed concerns from Malaysians holding foreign driving licences, stating that the Ministry of Transport is actively reviewing the matter.
“I believe there will be good news soon for those with overseas licences,” she said.
In the video, Teo also displayed a receipt showing the amount of fuel subsidy received, the starting balance, and the remaining balance under the subsidised fuel programme.
Kulai Deputy Police Chief Superintendent Kamaluddin Othman, who was present at the petrol station, said the day marked a long-awaited moment for the police force to benefit from the government’s targeted subsidy initiative.
“The process is very simple and convenient — just scan, pay, and refuel,” he said.
On TikTok, user @arifryshaa12 shared his excitement at being among the first to enjoy the benefits of the scheme, uploading a video showing the smooth refuelling process.
The video has since received over 17,000 likes and 5,441 shares.
The BUDI95 programme was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on 22 September, with military and police personnel identified as the first group to benefit from the targeted subsidy system. - September 27, 2025