19/12/2025

FRIDAY | DEC 19, 2025

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New minister pledges service for all Malaysians

Extra petrol quota only for qualified e-hailing drivers PETALING JAYA: E-hailing drivers who record less than 2,000km of travel in the previous month are not eligible for additional RON95 fuel quotas under the Budi95 scheme, said Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan in the Dewan Negara on Wednesday. He said drivers who fall below the specified travel distance threshold will continue to receive only the basic allocation of 300 litres. “Those with a travel distance of between 2,000km and 5,000km in the previous month are eligible to receive an additional 300 litres under Budi95, bringing their total allocation to 600 litres, including the basic quota. “Drivers who recorded 5,000km or more in the previous month are eligible for an additional 500 litres, raising their total Budi95 entitlement to 800 litres, including the basic allocation,” he said during the sitting. Amir was replying to Senator Dr Lingeshwaran R. Arunasalam, who sought clarification on how e-hailing drivers qualify for the expanded 600-litre Ron95 subsidy. He explained that eligibility is no longer determined by whether a driver is classified as full time or part time, but by actual travel data recorded across licensed e-hailing platforms. “Eligibility status is not based on part-time or full-time classification, but on actual usage patterns as recorded in the systems of e hailing operators (EHO). “Based on data for December, out of about 164,000 e-hailing drivers reported by EHO, more than 106,000 drivers, or 65%, are eligible to receive Budi95 allocations of between 600 litres and 800 litres,” he added. Amir also said monthly travel distance data are collected and verified not only by EHO but also by the Land Public Transport Agency, as well as licensing authorities in Sabah and Sarawak. He added that e-hailing operators are required to submit accurate, complete and verifiable monthly travel records to the agency and the relevant licensing authorities at the beginning of each month. “Drivers who fail to meet the minimum travel activity based on the prescribed distance thresholds in the preceding month will automatically not be granted additional eligibility. “Enforcement action may be taken against drivers or e-hailing operators found to have submitted false, doubtful or inconsistent information when compared with system records,” he added. – by Faiz Ruzman against rushed decisions and stressed the importance of drawing on the advice and experience of civil servants. Fahmi also addressed public concerns over several appointments following Tuesday’s Cabinet reshuffle, including Hannah Yeoh as Federal Territories Minister, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Marhamah Rosli and Deputy Higher Education Minister Adam Adli Abd Halim. He said Yeoh’s appointment was routine from a management perspective and that some online remarks had been taken out of context to create discord. On Marhamah, Fahmi said allegations linked to a fundraising campaign had been clarified, with proper procedures followed and funds audited. Addressing Adam Adli’s past stance on PTPTN, he said shifts in position are not uncommon in politics, noting that as a deputy minister, Adam Adli would now be able to assess the best approach, with relief initiatives for eligible B40 borrowers already in place.

o Support for Bumiputera businesses to continue alongside broader growth measures

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PUTRAJAYA: Newly appointed Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Steven Sim has reassured stakeholders that Bumiputera entrepreneurs and small businesses remain a top priority, while stressing his commitment to serving all Malaysians. Speaking at his first press conference yesterday, Sim said his leadership approach has always been inclusive. “A good Malaysian leader looks after all Malaysians, regardless of race or religion. This has always been my practice, my belief and a principle of my party,” he said. Addressing concerns over whether his appointment represented a “downgrade” or an “upgrade”, Sim dismissed the characterisation. “That issue doesn’t arise. What matters most is our focus right now. It’s not about downgrade or upgrade, but about making Malaysian businesses great. That is my main focus.” Working alongside Deputy Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin, Sim said the ministry is committed to implementing key strategies to empower micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME), which he described as the “people’s economy”. “We want to strike at the root. Our goal is to address problems fundamentally, at their source,” he said. His remarks came in response to concerns raised by former minister Tan Sri Noh Omar, who questioned whether the ministry would continue supporting Bumiputera MSME under a DAP minister. Sim reaffirmed his inclusive approach by pointing to his track record as Human Resources minister, in which workers of all races were protected while the interests of Bumiputera were upheld. “On my first day here, we had already taken KUALA LUMPUR: The government is pressing ahead with administrative reforms while rolling out fresh support for the media industry. It is signalling that the reshuffled Cabinet will be expected to perform without a grace period even as funding is introduced to help news organisations adapt to rapid technological change. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the first phase of the RM30 million Media Innovation Fund will run from Jan 1 to 14, 2026, aimed at strengthening the sustainability, competitiveness and resilience of the media sector. Announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during National Journalists Day this year, the fund is intended to encourage the production of creative, interactive and high impact content, enhance skills through training and support industry transformation through innovation in content development, media Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Sim said workers would benefit when businesses thrive. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

technology and digital strategy. Fahmi said the initiative would also improve the ability of media organisations to deliver accurate, relevant and beneficial information to the public amid accelerating digital disruption. Eligibility is limited to local media companies or organisations registered with the Information Department, with employees holding valid media accreditation cards. Support will cover four areas, namely training for media workers, software and technology adaptation, equipment and technical facilities, as well as research and development. Under the training component, companies may organise in-house programmes or send staff to recognised courses. Funding may also be used to purchase or lease approved software, including artificial intelligence apps, to enhance content production. Media organisations may apply for assistance to acquire or lease technical equipment such as studio and recording devices, while research and development support will focus on artificial intelligence adaptation and broader steps to strengthen support for Malaysian businesses. “When businesses thrive, it benefits all Malaysians, including workers, without distinction of race or religion,” he said. He also announced urgent support measures for MSME and cooperatives affected by recent floods, including a six-month interest-free moratorium on financing from seven agencies under the ministry. These comprise the Co-operative Societies Commission of Malaysia, SME Corp, Tekun Nasional, Bank Rakyat, SME Bank, Pernas and Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia. Beyond immediate relief, Sim introduced a focused framework to boost productivity, simplify bureaucracy, improve access to capital and expand market reach, known as the ABCD strategy. The acronym stands for “accelerate productivity, bureaucracy reduction, capital accessibility and develop market access”, reflecting the ministry’s aim to address core business challenges. He also announced plans to increase financing allocations for various communities. “The Tekun Bumiputera Fund will increase from RM300 million this year to RM500 million in 2026. “Financing for Indian entrepreneurs under the Indian Community Entrepreneur Financing scheme will rise from RM30 million to

digital innovation. Application forms and supporting documents will be available at www.komunikasi.gov.my from Jan 1. Fahmi said further phases of the fund would be announced if necessary. “This is part of the government’s efforts to ensure media freedom is protected and that the industry remains sustainable and resilient in the face of global changes, including those driven by social media,” he said. Fahmi also made clear that new Cabinet members are expected to adapt quickly to their responsibilities, with no fixed timeline set by the prime minister for settling in. He said a Cabinet retreat scheduled for January would align ministers on objectives and priorities for 2026. While some ministers have prior experience as deputy ministers, Fahmi added that new appointees may require time to understand ministry operations, adding that Anwar would closely monitor their progress. He said the prime minister had cautioned RM50 million, while a new RM50 million scheme for Chinese MSME will be launched in January next year.” Sim said he has directed senior management to review internal procedures, reduce processing times and fees and create a more business-friendly environment for MSME and cooperatives. He stressed that the combined measures of cash flow relief, capital injection and reduced bureaucracy directly reflect the ABCD strategy and are aimed at ensuring Malaysian businesses remain resilient, competitive and inclusive. Sim also thanked former ministers Datuk Ewon Benedick and ex-deputy minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan for their leadership and contributions, adding that their guidance had laid a strong foundation for the ministry’s ongoing work. He officially began his tenure on Wednesday, clocking in at the ministry at 9.13am before holding a closed-door briefing with senior officials. A key figure in the Unity government, Sim previously served as deputy minister of Finance II and was appointed Human Resources minister in December 2023. During his tenure, he was credited with advancing gig economy reforms and strengthening wage policies, with a focus on improved worker protections and income security.

Govt rolls out RM30m fund to support media transformation