Subsidies including for RON95 still being studied, priority now on diesel: Economy Ministry

It will engage with stakeholders to ensure all aspects are taken into account, says will communicate clearly to the public to prevent confusion

The Economy Ministry has said that subsidies and social assistance are still being studied and reevaluated, in response to a question from Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (Pagoh-PN). – Abdul Razak Latif/Scoop file pic, July 12, 2024

KUALA LUMPUR – The subsidies and assistance provided to the people, including that for RON95, are still being studied and reevaluated, the Economy Ministry said. 

The suggested targeted RON95 subsidy implementation will go through precise adjustments from all aspects to ensure smooth running and increased effectiveness in aid distribution.

To ensure this, the ministry said they will be engaging all stakeholders to ensure their opinions are considered. This includes the timeline for the implementation and appropriate mechanisms so people can receive the benefits they are eligible for, Bernama reported.

“The government is considering various proposals based on the use case conducted using the Central Database Hub (Padu).

“Additionally, the social aid distribution is also being studied to ensure the rakyat, especially recipients, are not too burdened by the expected rise in the prices when the government implements a subsidy rationalisation,” it said in a written reply yesterday.

The Economy Ministry was responding to Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (Pagoh-PN) who asked about the petrol and diesel subsidy rationalisation, including the mechanism used, implementation timeline, financial implications and method. 

“For now, the focus and priority will be on implementing diesel subsidy rationalisation until it has been stabilised and the objectives are achieved,” it said. 

It added that the government will communicate clearly to the people about any moves it makes to prevent confusion towards policies planned for implementation.  

It added that the targeted fuel subsidy initiative, with diesel subsidy rationalisation starting on June 10, 2024, is expected to strengthen the nation’s fiscal position and reduce leakages due to smuggling activities. – July 12, 2024