Concerns have emerged among Malaysians over whether unpaid traffic summonses could jeopardize eligibility for the BUDI MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) petrol subsidy. Recent reports suggested that failure to settle fines could result in blacklisting, affecting driving license renewals and, consequently, access to the subsidised RON95 petrol priced at RM1.99 per litre for citizens.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke has stepped in to clarify that these claims are misleading. He emphasized that driving license blacklisting and BUDI95 eligibility are entirely separate processes, with no automatic connection between the two. According to Loke, holding a valid driving license remains the primary condition for receiving the subsidy, alongside Malaysian citizenship verified through MyKad. An “active” license is defined as one still within its validity period or expired for no more than three years.
The clarification comes as Malaysia prepares to standardize traffic summons procedures from 1 January 2026, aligning rates and enforcement between the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM). The government is also introducing a new principle called “The Less You Delay, The Less You Pay,” which aims to reward early settlement of traffic fines with reduced rates.
To ease the financial burden on motorists, the Ministry of Transport announced a special discount period on existing summonses until 30 December. During this time, drivers can settle JPJ and PDRM fines at a 50% to 70% reduction. The discount structure is tiered: 50% off for payments made within 15 days, 33% for payments between 16 and 30 days, full rates applied from 31 to 60 days, and court action or blacklisting for fines remaining unpaid beyond 61 days.
Loke’s statement underscores that while timely payment of summonses is encouraged, failure to do so will not result in the loss of BUDI95 benefits. This clarification aims to prevent unnecessary confusion and reassure the public that compliance with traffic fines, while important, does not affect access to government subsidies.
With the standardization of summons enforcement and the “less you delay” policy, authorities hope to promote fairness and consistency across the nation’s road transport system. Motorists are encouraged to take advantage of the year-end discounts while planning ahead for the new procedures effective from next year.
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