The policy seemed straightforward enough: Malaysians with MyKad can now enjoy RON95 petrol at RM1.99 per litre as part of the government’s targeted subsidy initiative.
But it didn’t take long for some Singaporeans to weigh in and what started as a domestic cost-of-living relief effort quickly turned into an online spat between neighbours.
What did Anwar actually announce?
On July 23, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim introduced a new fuel subsidy strategy aimed at helping Malaysians cope with rising costs.
This targeted initiative reduces RON95 petrol to RM1.99 per litre but only for Malaysian citizens who verify their identity using MyKad.
According to Anwar, this move is meant to cut down on subsidy leakages, ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and only benefit those who need it most.
This is a significant reduction that involves high costs for the government. It’s part of our effort to optimise national resources and reduce wastage. Foreigners and foreign vehicles will still need to pay the market price,” he stated.
‘You’re too greedy to share even petrol’
While many Malaysians saw the announcement as a much-needed win, the reaction from across the Causeway was a little less celebratory.
A handful of Singaporean netizens took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice their frustration, accusing Malaysia of being selfish.
One user claimed:
We Singaporeans give you Malaysians jobs, but you’re too greedy to share even petrol. Speaks a lot about the Malaysian mentality, which is why you are far behind us 😆”
The post quickly gained traction not for its message, but for how deeply it rubbed Malaysians the wrong way.
How did Malaysians respond?
The backlash was immediate and unfiltered.
Many Malaysians pointed out that fuel subsidies are funded by local taxpayers, and argued it was only fair to reserve them for Malaysians especially given the cost-of-living pressures they face.
“Malaysia gave you land to start with, supplies your water, and our people work basic jobs in your economy because yours are too picky. Your currency is three times stronger, and you still want our subsidies? That says a lot about your mentality,” one user replied.
Another added:
“The average Singaporean doesn’t care about us. They just come here for cheap petrol and act superior.”
