As announced during this year's Budget 2025, the government is expected to introduce a targeted petrol subsidy program in the middle of next year, when all relevant studies and tests have been completed.
Answering a question from MP Kuala Krau, Kamal Ashaari regarding whether the government only announced the policy first before testing it later, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli said that pilot tests using MyKad and digital wallets such as Touch'n'Go eWallet with a combination of the PADU system have already started since 20 last month.
Answering questions about how this targeted subsidy will work, he said that this targeted subsidy system is a combination of cooperation between the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Finance, where the subsidy eligibility verification process will be handled by his ministry, while the pricing of two levels of RON95 petrol will be set by Ministry of Finance.
He also said that for the time being, these two ministries are still in the process of determining the best way to implement this subsidy mechanism, and it is expected to be presented at the Cabinet meeting in the middle of this year, in line with the 2025 Budget plan to introduce this targeted subsidy .
It was also emphasized that the government is currently aware of some of the difficulties that need to be faced, particularly for those in rural areas who may not have access to the internet connection required for MyKad authentication and the use of digital wallets.
Issues such as damaged ID chips and identity card abuse are also being discussed, and the government seems determined to ensure that this subsidy system is easy and safe for Malaysians to use.