05/11/2025

WEDNESDAY | NOV 5, 2025

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Enhanced Budi95 scheme for e-hailing drivers o Airport taxis would also be included among vehicles eligible for subsidy: PM

“I want to highlight one key clause, namely Section 5 on Economic and National Security. Some have claimed that it does not mention sovereignty, but the emphasis on national security is not generic. The attorney-general has clarified that this clause is comprehensive and binds all other provisions. “When national security concerns arise, Malaysia retains the right to act in its own interest. If any provision poses a threat to our national security, we are not obligated to accept it.” – Bernama Call for transparency in public projects KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for greater transparency and accountability in public projects, saying agencies must uphold public trust by disclosing details of funding and costs. He said he has instructed the National Heart Institute’s leadership to maintain openness in its operations to ensure projects serve the people, not corporate interests. “If decisions burden the people while corporations reap enormous profits, that is a form of plunder,” he said at the launch of IJN University College yesterday. He warned against economic systems that enrich a few at the expense of ordinary citizens, recalling his early experience with privatisation when the then Lembaga Letrik Negara, now Tenaga Nasional Bhd, reported profits of RM400 million in its first year. “I said, ‘That means better management, better service, more efficiency’. But I also asked, ‘How are your workers? Do they benefit from these profits? What about students in training programmes or workers’ housing and welfare?’” He noted that many were unsure because such concerns were often left to the government, as though corporate responsibility ended once profits were made. “That should not be the case. In a Negara Madani, profits must come with purpose.” Anwar said Malaysia could only rise to greatness through quality education and compassionate healthcare that guarantee every citizen access to medical care and support. He also said education and health have consistently received the largest allocations in the national budget, reflecting their status as the twin pillars of national development. “The establishment of IJN University College marks a major step in uniting healthcare and education, expanding the institute’s expertise in cardiovascular care into higher learning. “It represents a synergy between medical excellence and education, between doctors who serve patients and those who teach future generations.” Also present at the launch were Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir. Anwar said the founding of IJN University College aligns with the institute’s strategic vision and the nation’s need to expand medical training capacity to meet growing demand. “We must find ways to expand and strengthen medical faculties, to build new facilities, establish new programmes and nurture more qualified medical professionals.” He stressed that national progress must be inclusive and compassionate, ensuring no community or group is left behind. “A nation cannot claim to be developed if it leaves behind parts of its population, whether by race, by region or by poverty. When we see frustration among our youth, we must respond with opportunities and compassion.” Beginning next year, the government would provide full financial assistance to students from the poorest families, ensuring no one is denied access to education due to financial hardship. He called on institutions such as the National Heart Institute to treat this not merely as an administrative task, but also as a moral and national obligation. – By Harith Kamal

under Budi95,” the ministry said in a statement. The reduction of the initial eligibility threshold from 3,000km to 2,000km and the introduction of a new tier for high-mileage drivers take into account non-passenger trips that are often unrecorded in apps. The Land Public Transport Agency and the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board in Sabah and Sarawak will oversee data verification while EHOs must submit monthly travel records for cross-checking. Meanwhile, airport taxi operators can apply for a fleet card under the Fleet Card Management System administered by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, allowing eligible taxis and rental cars to receive up to 800 litres of subsidised RON95 monthly. However, airport limousines not regulated by the agency’s fare structure will not qualify. In a written reply to Arau MP Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kasim, the Finance Ministry said the government is deliberately taking a phased approach to fuel subsidy rationalisation to avoid adverse effects on the public. It said the gradual rollout allows time for coordination among agencies and oil companies, as well as for system testing at petrol stations nationwide. It added that lessons from the successful Budi Madani Diesel programme had guided this phase, enabling a smoother transition while maintaining the subsidised RON95 price at RM1.99 per litre. It said the government’s steady, targeted approach has helped keep inflation under control, with the rate easing from 2.5% in 2023 to 1.8% in 2024 and further down to 1.3% in the third quarter of this year.

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

riverboat operators and fishermen without driving licences, in collaboration with the Fisheries Development Authority and state governments in Sabah and Sarawak. So far, 24,000 registered riverboat operators have been approved under the scheme. Anwar said maintaining affordable petrol prices, rather than adopting the World Bank’s call for direct cash transfers, has made the system more transparent and accessible. The government has achieved savings of around RM2.5 billion, excluding RM5 billion from diesel smuggling prevention, RM6 billion from electricity subsidy reforms and RM2 billion from chicken and egg price rationalisation. To further improve the system’s reach, the Finance Ministry announced that a new tiered eligibility scheme for e-hailing drivers would take effect mid-month. The monthly fuel subsidy ceiling would rise according to total travel distance recorded in e-hailing operator (EHO) systems from the previous month. Drivers covering less than 2,000km a month would continue receiving the base allocation of 300 litres. Those clocking between 2,000km and 5,000km would be entitled to 600 litres, while those exceeding 5,000km could claim up to 800 litres. “For instance, a driver who records 1,500km under one e-hailing platform and 600km under another, totalling 2,100km, would qualify for an additional 300 litres halal export destination with total exports valued at RM7.04 billion. The delegation is also scheduled to engage in high-level discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation, with particular emphasis on key sectors, such as the halal industry and technical and vocational education and training. As part of his itinerary, Ahmad Zahid is scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the 8th China International Import Expo and officiate at the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia Pavilion. He would also witness the signing of several memoranda of understanding between Malaysian and Chinese companies in the halal industry, trade and investment. Malaysia and China established diplomatic relations on May 31, 1974. For 16 years, since 2009, China has remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner. Total trade between the countries was valued at RM484.12 billion in 2024, representing 16.8% of Malaysia’s total global trade.

PETALING JAYA: The government has announced an enhanced Budi95 targeted fuel subsidy scheme, expanding benefits for e-hailing drivers and airport taxis nationwide as part of efforts to make the subsidy system fairer and more efficient. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told parliament yesterday that the fuel quota for eligible e-hailing drivers would be raised from 600 litres to 800 litres per month, equivalent to about 5,000km of travel, following feedback that the current allocation was insufficient. As of October, about 58,000 e-hailing drivers have benefitted from the Budi95 programme. He added that airport taxis would also be included among vehicles eligible for subsidised RON95 petrol under the Controlled Subsidised Petrol Scheme. “After one month of implementation, the Budi95 targeted subsidy has shown encouraging results, with 13.1 million Malaysians participating and RM2.6 billion channelled in subsidies.” He noted that the average usage in October was 98 litres, just one-third of the 300-litre monthly limit, with only 0.7% of users exceeding their quota, showing that the system meets most citizens’ needs. Eligibility has also been extended to He will be accompanied by senior officials from relevant ministries and agencies, as well as representatives from Malaysian SMEs. This marks his first visit to China this year and underscores Malaysia’s continuous commitment to strengthening ties and fostering cooperation across sectors for the mutual benefit of both countries, since the elevation of bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2013. The Foreign Ministry said during the visit, Ahmad Zahid, who is also rural and regional development minister, would officiate at the Malaysia International Halal Showcase Shanghai, Bernama reported. He would also meet with key stakeholders in China’s halal sector to boost Malaysia’s position as a global halal leader and open doors to new markets worldwide. In 2024, China ranked second as Malaysia’s

DPM on working visit to China SHANGHAI: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is on a four-day working visit to the People’s Republic of China from yesterday until Nov 7.

As part of his itinerary, Ahmad Zahid is scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the 8th China International Import Expo. – BERNAMAPIC

‘Malaysia-US trade deal does not contradict Constitution’ KUALA LUMPUR: The Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) between Malaysia and the United States contains no provisions that contradict the spirit or any articles of the Federal Constitution, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar, who is also finance minister, said the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) plays a crucial role in reviewing national agreements, including ART, to ensure they comply with Malaysian laws. “The Cabinet’s discussions and decisions are often refined after receiving input from the AGC. That is how we operate. Even in the final stages, the AGC’s review remains necessary. “Yes, the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry leads the negotiations. But when the discussions involve halal matters, the Islamic Development Department steps in. When they concern imports, the Agriculture Ministry is involved. Overall, the AGC oversees the legal scope discussed in Cabinet meetings,” he explained. He was speaking during the Minister’s Question Time at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday, in reply to Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu), who wanted to know whether ART had been reviewed by the AGC prior to the signing. Malaysia and the United States signed ART on Oct 26 during the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur. The agreement stemmed from a US proposal to renegotiate tariffs imposed on Malaysia, reducing them from 25% to 19% under Executive Order 14257 issued by President Donald Trump on April 2. Anwar said the agreement not only safeguards Bumiputera interests, but also ensures any enforcement measures would never override Malaysia’s domestic laws.