Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed that the government has not yet finalised a decision regarding the implementation of targeted RON95 petrol subsidies, noting that no policy paper has been prepared on the matter.

According to FMT, during Prime Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat, Anwar highlighted that while studies have been conducted, the government prefers to first evaluate the outcomes of subsidy rationalisation for electricity, chicken, and diesel implemented over the past year.

“Let’s see the impact and gauge the public reaction. After that, we’ll be ready to discuss what needs to be done,” Anwar stated in response to a supplementary question from Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN-Pasir Mas) on potential targeted subsidies for RON95 petrol.

Anwar did not dismiss the possibility of future subsidy rationalisation but emphasised the government’s cautious approach. “Subsidy rationalisation is difficult to implement. If you ask me, (the lifting of subsidies for) RON95 should have been implemented long ago, but it’s not easy,” he explained.

He pointed out the challenge of ensuring fair subsidy distribution, noting that “3.8 million foreigners use this fuel, and even wealthy people driving Rolls Royce use subsidised fuel. How are we going to resolve this?”

Previously, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli suggested that the decision to remove blanket subsidies for RON95 petrol might be announced unexpectedly, similar to the lifting of diesel subsidies on June 10. However, Anwar dismissed this, reiterating that no decision has been made.

RON95 petrol is currently sold at a subsidised price of RM2.05 per litre. The government continues to assess the best approach to ensure subsidies benefit those who need them most, while addressing issues of equity and sustainability.