The implementation of the Madani Subsidy Assistance (Budi Madani), the monthly financial assistance of RM200 to eligible groups following the targeted diesel subsidy, demonstrates the government's commitment to ensuring the welfare of its people.
Saiful Ahmad, 55, said besides raw materials, the largest expense in his business involves purchasing diesel to operate his pickup truck for collecting supplies and making deliveries.
“Some people might say RM200 is a small amount, but they have to understand it is given to cover the additional costs when diesel prices rise. It is not meant to cover everything; many might misunderstand this,” he said.
Since June 10, the price of diesel at all retail stations in Peninsular Malaysia has been set at RM3.35 per liter, which is the market price without subsidies.
The Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS)
In addition to Budi Madani, the government is reducing burdens by continuing subsidies for public land transport vehicles and goods transport through the Subsidised Diesel Control System.
Chai Kok Lim, President of the Cameron Highlands Vegetable Farmers' Association, said that about 200 out of its 800 members have so far benefited from the RM200 cash aid.
Similar to Saiful, Chai said that this initiative helps them absorb costs and continue operations to produce agricultural products.
"Some of our members are still awaiting approval, while others have been rejected because they do not meet the criteria, such as exceeding RM300,000 in sales as required. We have requested that the criteria be relaxed for companies recording sales exceeding RM1 million.
"This matter has been conveyed to Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Yi during her recent visit; we appreciate the government's openness to hear our appeals for policy improvements," he said.
To be eligible for BUDI Individu, the following criteria apply:
Applicant must be Malaysian;
Applicant owns diesel-based personal vehicles as registered with the JPJ that are not luxury vehicles under 10 years of age;
The vehicles must have an active road tax;
Annual individual or joint income of RM100,000 and below.
The cash assistance will be credited to the individual’s bank accounts every month. Individuals without bank accounts will be able to collect their BUDI Individu cash assistance at any Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) branch throughout Peninsular Malaysia.
To apply and learn more about Budi Madani’s eligibility criteria, please visit https://budimadani.gov.my, or for assistance, contact the Budi Madani helpline at 1-800-88-2747 / 03-8882 4565 / 03-8882 4566 or e-mail: [email protected]. Assistance and further information can also be sought at all LHDNM offices in Peninsular Malaysia.
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