Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has made it clear: the newly announced RM1.99 per litre subsidised RON95 petrol is strictly for Malaysians only.
Speaking at the launch of the National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang 2025 campaign at Dataran Tanjung Emas today, he said foreign nationals, including tourists from neighbouring Singapore, will need to fork out the full market price – currently around RM2.50 to RM2.60 per litre.
This is not discrimination,” Anwar stressed. “It’s the policy of a sovereign nation that prioritises the welfare of its people.”
“They don’t pay taxes here”
Anwar explained that the targeted fuel subsidy is part of the MADANI government’s social justice framework, aimed at ensuring public funds are spent on citizens – not foreign visitors who don’t contribute taxes or directly to the local economy.
By limiting subsidies to locals, the government hopes to curb unnecessary expenditure that has long benefited non-Malaysians.
His statement, although not directed at any specific individual, served as a response to comments criticising his policy as being greedy for excluding Singaporeans.
Foreigners do not pay taxes like Malaysians. In which country do non-citizens receive subsidies equal to those given to locals? My primary responsibility is to look after the welfare of Malaysians,” he said.
One of the cheapest in the region
He also addressed concerns over potential fuel hikes, saying prices in Malaysia remain among the lowest in Southeast Asia.
If you don’t believe me, go check the prices in Singapore, Thailand or Indonesia,” he said. “RON95 here is still RM1.99. That’s my responsibility.”
The new policy is part of the government’s broader effort to manage fiscal pressures while continuing to shield Malaysians from the full brunt of global fuel prices.
