Malaysia News

KUALA LUMPUR, March 26 — The decision to retain the Budi MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) fuel quota of up to 800 litres per month for e-hailing drivers and gig workers has been welcomed as a timely measure to help stabilise operating costs amid global uncertainties. Malaysian e-Hailing Coalition (GEM) Chief Activist Masrizal Mahidin said the move would not only ease financial pressures on drivers but could also boost demand for e-hailing services, particularly following the temporary adjustment to BUDI95 eligibility set to take effect next month. He noted that the revised quota for general eligibility — reduced from 300 litres to 200 litres per month starting April 1, 2026 — may encourage more urban commuters to opt for e-hailing services instead of using private vehicles, potentially increasing drivers’ income opportunities. Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the adjustment in response to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, while maintaining the subsidised fuel price under the BUDI95 initiative at RM1.99 per litre to cushion the impact on the public. Masrizal stressed that while maintaining the higher quota for e-hailing drivers offers immediate relief, long-term strategies are needed to address rising fuel costs driven by global oil price volatility. Among the proposals highlighted were incentives to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), along with improved infrastructure, social protection measures, insurance coverage, emergency funds and skills training to strengthen the resilience of gig workers. Meanwhile, Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) Chief Executive Officer Dr T. Saravanan said the decision reflects the government’s awareness of the challenges faced by those whose livelihoods depend heavily on fuel usage. He added that maintaining the 800-litre quota is crucial in ensuring market stability, while preventing misuse or excessive purchases that could disrupt fuel supply. Saravanan also called on consumers to remain patient and understand the necessity of the temporary quota adjustment, describing it as a prudent step towards safeguarding energy security, ensuring stable supply and promoting responsible fuel management.

Maintaining BUDI95 Fuel Quota for E-Hailing Drivers Seen as Key to Cost Stability

KUALA LUMPUR — The decision to retain the Budi MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) fuel quota of up to 800 litres per month for e-hailing drivers and gig workers has been welcomed as a timely measure to help stabilise operating costs amid global uncertainties.

Malaysian e-Hailing Coalition (GEM) Chief Activist Masrizal Mahidin said the move would not only ease financial pressures on drivers but could also boost demand for e-hailing services, particularly following the temporary adjustment to BUDI95 eligibility set to take effect next month.

He noted that the revised quota for general eligibility — reduced from 300 litres to 200 litres per month starting April 1, 2026 — may encourage more urban commuters to opt for e-hailing services instead of using private vehicles, potentially increasing drivers’ income opportunities.

Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the adjustment in response to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, while maintaining the subsidised fuel price under the BUDI95 initiative at RM1.99 per litre to cushion the impact on the public.

Masrizal stressed that while maintaining the higher quota for e-hailing drivers offers immediate relief, long-term strategies are needed to address rising fuel costs driven by global oil price volatility. Among the proposals highlighted were incentives to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), along with improved infrastructure, social protection measures, insurance coverage, emergency funds and skills training to strengthen the resilience of gig workers.

Meanwhile, Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) Chief Executive Officer Dr T. Saravanan said the decision reflects the government’s awareness of the challenges faced by those whose livelihoods depend heavily on fuel usage.

He added that maintaining the 800-litre quota is crucial in ensuring market stability, while preventing misuse or excessive purchases that could disrupt fuel supply.

Saravanan also called on consumers to remain patient and understand the necessity of the temporary quota adjustment, describing it as a prudent step towards safeguarding energy security, ensuring stable supply and promoting responsible fuel management.

–Minutes MY / Igneseous Noris

Related News

Malaysia to Issue Diplomatic Note Rejecting Renewed Sabah Claim

TEHRAN: Iran continues to maintain its stance of fully controlling ship movements in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes, only allowing ships deemed “non-hostile” to transit as long as they coordinate with Tehran authorities. This was stated in an official letter from Iran to member states of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). In the letter, Iran stressed that foreign ships can pass through the Strait of Hormuz provided they comply with announced safety regulations and are not involved in any form of support for aggressive actions against the country. Iran added that ships linked to the United States, Israel or parties involved in the current conflict are not eligible for passage. Ship tracking data in recent days shows that Iran has allowed a small number of ships to transit through its territorial waters, including ships from China, India and Pakistan. This route is often used to allow Iranian authorities to verify the identity and purpose of ships before they are allowed to pass, according to maritime analysts. Due to the risk of attacks and tensions in the narrow waters near Oman, many commercial ships are now changing their routes to routes closer to the Iranian coast, including the area around Larak Island. The move gives Iran a monitoring advantage as well as strengthening its control over maritime traffic in the strategic route. The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz peaked after the US-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28, causing shipping traffic to almost come to a standstill and affecting global oil supplies. The Strait of Hormuz previously handled around one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. With rising shipping costs and global oil prices, Iran is now trying to balance its economic interests while maintaining pressure on its perceived enemies. Free navigation access in the Strait of Hormuz is also one of the main points in the 15-point peace plan developed by the United States and sent to Iran via Pakistan. But so far, there is no sign that Tehran is willing to give up its strategic advantage without comprehensive security guarantees. Iran has said it will not relax control over the maritime route as long as the conflict continues, with several government sources insisting that pressure on the enemy will continue until there is a full ceasefire.

Seven Malaysian Tankers Await Safe Passage Through Strait Of Hormuz – Mohamad

PN to Treat MIC’s Silence as Rejection of Membership Offer

KUALA LUMPUR, March 27 — Pandan Member of Parliament Rafizi Ramli has identified the individual referred to as “Mr R” in statements by businessman Victor Chin, alleging that the person is lawyer Sandraruben Neelamagham, also known as Ruben. Rafizi claimed that Ruben holds roles as a NexG corporate advisor and director of Solid HighTech, and is believed to act as an intermediary between a group described as a “corporate mafia” and key stakeholders in matters involving pressure on shareholders. According to Rafizi, communications between Victor Chin and Ruben suggest that “Mr R” operates on behalf of a more influential figure, often referencing a “boss” in their exchanges. He further linked the alleged “boss” to Farhash Wafa Salvador, a former political secretary to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Rafizi questioned whether the alleged influence of these individuals extended to directing authorities to exert pressure on NexG shareholders, and whether such connections played a role in securing a government contract worth billions of ringgit for NexG. “I have fulfilled my promise to reveal who Mr R is,” Rafizi said in a social media post, adding that the matter now warrants an explanation from the Prime Minister regarding the allegations raised.

Rafizi Claims ‘Mr R’, Raises Questions Over Alleged Corporate Influence

Latest News

Malaysia to Issue Diplomatic Note Rejecting Renewed Sabah Claim

TEHRAN: Iran continues to maintain its stance of fully controlling ship movements in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes, only allowing ships deemed “non-hostile” to transit as long as they coordinate with Tehran authorities. This was stated in an official letter from Iran to member states of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). In the letter, Iran stressed that foreign ships can pass through the Strait of Hormuz provided they comply with announced safety regulations and are not involved in any form of support for aggressive actions against the country. Iran added that ships linked to the United States, Israel or parties involved in the current conflict are not eligible for passage. Ship tracking data in recent days shows that Iran has allowed a small number of ships to transit through its territorial waters, including ships from China, India and Pakistan. This route is often used to allow Iranian authorities to verify the identity and purpose of ships before they are allowed to pass, according to maritime analysts. Due to the risk of attacks and tensions in the narrow waters near Oman, many commercial ships are now changing their routes to routes closer to the Iranian coast, including the area around Larak Island. The move gives Iran a monitoring advantage as well as strengthening its control over maritime traffic in the strategic route. The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz peaked after the US-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28, causing shipping traffic to almost come to a standstill and affecting global oil supplies. The Strait of Hormuz previously handled around one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. With rising shipping costs and global oil prices, Iran is now trying to balance its economic interests while maintaining pressure on its perceived enemies. Free navigation access in the Strait of Hormuz is also one of the main points in the 15-point peace plan developed by the United States and sent to Iran via Pakistan. But so far, there is no sign that Tehran is willing to give up its strategic advantage without comprehensive security guarantees. Iran has said it will not relax control over the maritime route as long as the conflict continues, with several government sources insisting that pressure on the enemy will continue until there is a full ceasefire.

Seven Malaysian Tankers Await Safe Passage Through Strait Of Hormuz – Mohamad

PN to Treat MIC’s Silence as Rejection of Membership Offer

KUALA LUMPUR, March 27 — Pandan Member of Parliament Rafizi Ramli has identified the individual referred to as “Mr R” in statements by businessman Victor Chin, alleging that the person is lawyer Sandraruben Neelamagham, also known as Ruben. Rafizi claimed that Ruben holds roles as a NexG corporate advisor and director of Solid HighTech, and is believed to act as an intermediary between a group described as a “corporate mafia” and key stakeholders in matters involving pressure on shareholders. According to Rafizi, communications between Victor Chin and Ruben suggest that “Mr R” operates on behalf of a more influential figure, often referencing a “boss” in their exchanges. He further linked the alleged “boss” to Farhash Wafa Salvador, a former political secretary to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Rafizi questioned whether the alleged influence of these individuals extended to directing authorities to exert pressure on NexG shareholders, and whether such connections played a role in securing a government contract worth billions of ringgit for NexG. “I have fulfilled my promise to reveal who Mr R is,” Rafizi said in a social media post, adding that the matter now warrants an explanation from the Prime Minister regarding the allegations raised.

Rafizi Claims ‘Mr R’, Raises Questions Over Alleged Corporate Influence