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THE debate over fuel subsidies and cash aid has resurfaced after a poll by former minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad found strong opposition to replacing subsidies with direct payments.
Nik Nazmi asked on Threads whether the current fuel subsidy should be converted into cash assistance for ordinary Malaysians, excluding the T5 group.
The response was largely against the proposal. Of the 4,877 votes cast, 81% said “No”, while 14% agreed and 5% were undecided.
While the poll does not settle the wider debate, it offers a glimpse into how some Malaysians view the difference between cheaper fuel and direct cash assistance.
Financial influencer Financial Faiz argued that the two serve different purposes.
He said fuel subsidies directly reduce the cost of petrol, while cash assistance is intended to provide financial support to households.
Cash aid is already being channelled through programmes such as Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA), he noted.
But the impact of fuel subsidies goes beyond what consumers pay at the pump, he argued, as transport costs can also affect the price of goods.
Financial Faiz also defended the existing quota-based subsidy system, saying it allows consumers to benefit from subsidised fuel while limiting the potential for leakages.
The question for the government, then, is whether to further tighten and improve targeted subsidies or gradually shift towards giving more assistance directly to households.
Nik Nazmi’s poll suggests the second option may face resistance — at least among those who took part.
There is, however, an important caveat.
The poll was conducted on Threads and is not a nationally representative opinion survey.
Its 81% result reflects the 4,877 people who voted and should not be read as meaning 81% of Malaysians oppose replacing fuel subsidies with cash aid. – September 11, 2026
