“Even when I was on my bike, he still tried to take advantage of my BUDI,” she added.
WITH market prices for RON95 fuel currently at RM4.27, many Malaysians rely on the BUDI fuel subsidy programme, which allows eligible users to pay a subsidised rate of RM1.99.
To curb subsidy leakage, the government has also banned the use of foreign-issued credit and debit cards at self-service pumps nationwide.
However, a recent encounter shared online suggests that some individuals may still be attempting to bypass these restrictions by targeting local citizens.
In a viral post on Threads, a woman shared how she was approached by a foreign national while inflating her motorcycle tyres at a petrol station in Cyberjaya. The interaction quickly turned suspicious.
“He asked how to pump petrol using Visa. I was confused and told him I was not sure and suggested he ask the counter staff,” she wrote. Instead of heading to the kiosk, the man reportedly replied: “No, no, if you do not mind, can I use your Visa to fuel my car?”
The woman was startled, eventually realising the man was likely referring to her MyKad (IC), which is linked to the BUDI subsidy. “Was he trying to use my IC, my BUDI?” she questioned. Alarmed by the request, she refused, telling him: “No, I cannot do that. Later the police will catch me.”
The woman stated that the man lingered nearby while she finished with her tyres, only departing after another bystander arrived at the scene.
“Even when I was on my bike, he still tried to take advantage of my BUDI,” she added.
In her post, she urged the public to remain cautious when approached by strangers, especially regarding personal documents or financial details.
“Just a reminder: do not give your bank card, IC, or any personal information to people you do not know, even if they seem like they need help. Better safe than sorry,” she said.
Netizens were quick to weigh in, with user @nadiahalim22 suggesting that authorities should be involved if safety feels compromised: “I think next time just call the police. Say, ‘I feel my safety is threatened because this man is still beside me.’”
Another user, @midz_81, reiterated current regulations: “Foreign credit and debit cards cannot be used at the pump anymore. They have to pay at the counter. This is to control foreigners from buying RON95.”
Under current Malaysian law, RON95 is a heavily subsidised fuel reserved for citizens, and any attempt to facilitate its purchase for unauthorised individuals can lead to legal repercussions for both parties.
READ MORE: Malaysian man rejects foreigner requesting to “swipe” MyKad for subsidised petrol
