A Malaysian working in Singapore took to Facebook to express frustration after being told he could not enjoy the new BUDI95 fuel subsidy because he holds a Singapore driving licence.
Told to give up SG licence to qualify
The man, who works in the transport sector in Singapore, said he had asked the Road Transport Department (JPJ) about his eligibility.
He claimed officials informed him he would need to resign from his job, surrender his Singapore licence, and switch back to a Malaysian driving licence to qualify for the subsidy.
Feels left out from both sides
Posting in the group 柔新关卡Both Checkpoint 分享站, he lamented that wealthy Malaysians could still enjoy subsidised fuel while cross-border workers like him were excluded.
He added that they were neither Singapore permanent residents earning high salaries nor Malaysian workers who could benefit from BUDI95, leaving them “stuck in between.”
He also suggested that Malaysians in similar situations could collectively bring the matter to their representatives in hopes of being included in the subsidy scheme.
Netizens hit back with criticism
His post, however, drew little sympathy online.
Many netizens questioned why he was complaining when he enjoyed other advantages from holding a Singapore licence.
One commented: “Even if you pump RON95 at RM2.60, it’s just a few cents more in SGD. Isn’t it still cheaper than fueling in Singapore?”
Another asked: “Do you pay taxes in Malaysia? If not, maybe you should complain to Singapore and ask them to sell petrol at Malaysia’s price.”
Others pointed out the perks he enjoyed: “You’re already earning Singapore CPF, but you don’t mention that,” and “Don’t you realise Malaysians who pay higher income tax deserve subsidies? Do you pay any?”
Reports: Gov’t working on solutions
According to a China Press report, the Cabinet has agreed in principle to allow Malaysians working in Singapore and holding Singapore licences to still enjoy the full RM1.99 per litre subsidy — provided they fuel up Malaysian-registered vehicles.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke explained that while the BUDI95 mechanism was initially limited to Malaysians with valid local licences, the government recognised the concerns of cross-border workers who had to apply for Singapore licences for job purposes.
He said the main issue was that Singapore licences are not connected to Malaysia’s system, which led to these Malaysians being excluded.
However, the government is working on a way for them to register and apply for the subsidy.
“Although they may miss out on the start of BUDI95 on Sep 30, don’t worry, the government will not forget them,” he said, adding that further details will be announced next week.
Government’s BUDI95 scheme explained
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that targeted RON95 fuel subsidies will begin on Sep 30, fixing the RON95 price at RM1.99 per litre for eligible Malaysians.
Foreigners will pay the RON95 price for RM2.60 per litre.
To qualify, Malaysians must hold a valid local driving licence, with subsidies capped at 300 litres per month.
READ MORE:
