In a survey undertaken by Deutsche Bank in 2019 titled `Mapping the World’s Prices’, Kuala Lumpur was rated as the 5th most expensive city to buy a new mid-size car when compared against 54 other cities globally.
A new mid-size car (e.g., Volkswagen Golf without any extras in Kuala Lumpur would cost a whopping RM152,026) in Kuala Lumpur was found to be significantly higher than the global average, sometimes 55% more expensive than the same car in New York.
The saving grace?
Kuala Lumpur has the 4th cheapest petrol prices.
In 2019, RON 95 petrol was capped at RM2.08 per litre, while RON 97 fluctuated based on market rates, generally ranging between RM2.22 and RM2.70 per litre.
Diesel remained stable, typically retailing around RM2.18 for Euro 2M and RM2.28 for Euro 5 throughout the year
In a similarly titled survey undertaken by Deutsche Bank in 2025, Kuala Lumpur’s ranking dropped from 5th most expensive city in 2019 to the 9th most expensive city to buy a new mid size car.
In 2025, RON95 petrol was capped at RM1.99 per litre for eligible citizens (up to 300 litres/month) while RON97 prices fluctuated based on global markets, ranging from roughly RM3.07 to RM3.33 per litre.
Diesel fluctuates around RM2.93–RM3.02 per litre in late 2025.
After 28 Feb 2026 where a war broke out in the Middle East, petrol prices skyrocketed.
For the period of May 7–13, 2026, in Malaysia, the price of unsubsidised RON95 petrol and diesel in Peninsular Malaysia increased by five sen to RM4.02/litre and RM5.17/litre respectively.
RON97 at RM4.90/litre, while subsidised RON95 (Budi95) held at RM1.99/litre.
Despite a low median salary—with half of all Malaysian households earning roughly RM3,000 or less as of 2024/2025—car ownership in Malaysia remains high (2nd in Asia with 535 cars per 1,000 people.
As of early 2026, over 92% of Malaysian households own a car, including in rural areas.
While ownership is high, 30–50% of the average Malaysian's monthly income goes toward car payments, insurance, fuel, parking, and maintenance.
This expenditure represents a significant financial burden for many Malaysians.
For a single person living in Malaysia, particularly in cities like Kuala Lumpur or Penang, the average monthly cost typically ranges from RM3,000 to RM5,000, depending on lifestyle and location.
With the policy changes on EV CBU guidelines, set to take effect from July 1, 2026, this will limit consumer choice, especially for EVs priced under RM300,000.
There will be less competition and consumers will definitely end up having to pay more.
With Malaysia is at a critical stage transitioning to EV which had been gaining traction amid global energy price volatility and growing environmental awareness, the government is truly `walking back’ on its promises of making life easier and less costly for ordinary Malaysians.
Bravo to PMX and the Madani government.
The ordinary rakyat is just waiting for GE16.
Do not say you were not forewarned.
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