Companies Warned Against Misusing Workers’ Budi95 Fuel Aid

Companies are prohibited from directing their employees to use the Budi Madani RON95 targeted subsidy (Budi95) to refuel company-owned vehicles, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said, according to Bernama.

He reminded that the subsidy is meant for eligible individuals, not corporate use, and urged employees to report any misuse to the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) or other relevant authorities.

“That is wrong. So if any employee is instructed by the company to fill the company’s vehicle, a company-owned vehicle for that purpose, they can file a report with KPDN or inform the relevant authorities to take action,” he said.

His comments followed a viral video showing a courier company worker allegedly using the Budi95 subsidy to fill up a company vehicle.

“I have reviewed a viral video involving a courier company recently, and I have asked the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to contact the Chief Executive Officer of that courier company because courier companies receive their licence from MCMC

The CEO of the courier company admitted that they have a fleet card, and the employee has since taken down the content, and the courier company informed MCMC that the employee has apologised,” Fahmi noted.

Following the incident, the minister said the Finance Ministry and the Association of Malaysian Express Carriers (AMEC) are now reviewing options to extend suitable fuel assistance to gig and delivery workers who use their own vehicles.

“While permanent employees typically use company-issued fleet cards, the government is exploring whether gig workers could also be covered under the Budi95 scheme,” he concluded.

Currently, more than 16 million Malaysians benefit from the Budi95 subsidy, which caps the price of RON95 petrol at RM1.99 per litre, compared to RM2.60 without subsidies.