12/02/2026

THURSDAY | FEB 12, 2026

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King highlights rule of law in house of worship issues

harmony, unity and stability in Malaysia’s multiracial society. He said Malaysia was built on the foundation of harmony and the nation’s strength lies in mutual respect, tolerance and adherence to the law, adding that every citizen bears the responsibility of upholding these values for the common good. He reminded all parties to refrain from making statements or taking actions that could cause misunderstanding, division or threaten national peace. Earlier, Sultan Ibrahim granted an audience to National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang at Istana Negara. – Bernama Budi95 lauded, but could be better PETALING JAYA: The Budi95 initiative is providing some relief at the pumps, but for frequent long-distance commuters, it barely scratches the surface of their expenses. IT project coordinator Syazwan Amirul, 45, is among those for whom the 300-litre monthly allocation is insufficient. He commutes weekly between Kuala Lumpur and Penang, consuming 80 to 100 litres per round trip, roughly four times a month. “My entire family is in Penang and I live in a rented room here. The current 300-litre subsidy is not enough. Once it’s used up, I have to pay RM2.54 per litre, which adds up to 120 to 160 litres of unsubsidised petrol every month,” he said. Syazwan calculates that his daily commute, combined with weekly long-distance trips, leaves the existing allocation barely covering his expenses. He urges the government to raise the subsidy limit to 500 litres per month. Rachel Tan, 37, a healthcare assistant commuting daily from Seremban to Petaling Jaya, has seen modest relief. She said a full tank of petrol used to cost her about RM75 before Budi95. Now, it comes to just over RM60. “It’s cheaper, but the difference is not dramatic. I wouldn’t say I’m saving hundreds of ringgit and it hasn’t significantly eased my overall cost of living.” She also highlighted the hidden costs of commuting, saying: “Wear and tear on my car, regular servicing, tyre changes and unexpected repairs add to the financial burden. Fuel subsidies alone cannot capture the full cost of commuting, which also includes tolls and rising living expenses.” Tan said the subsidy eligibility criteria do not fully reflect the realities of middle-income earners commuting out of necessity. “Many of us fall into a grey area in which we may not qualify for additional assistance but we are still struggling with rising costs. “Long-distance commuting is not a lifestyle choice, it is a reality for those balancing work, housing affordability and family responsibilities.” She urged the government to adopt a more nuanced approach. “This could include targeted rebates or tax relief for those who travel beyond a certain distance for work. “Assistance with toll costs would also make a meaningful difference. Fuel subsidies alone do not address the full burden of commuting, especially as tolls and living expenses rise while wages remain largely stagnant.” Tan added that support could extend beyond government measures. “Employers could be given tax incentives to provide commuting allowances or flexible work arrangements. Encouraging companies to assist staff who travel long distances would help share the burden between the government and employers, rather than leaving it entirely to individuals.” For some commuters, the subsidy is being used strategically rather than daily. Hashim Yusof, 37, a project manager whose family lives in Kuantan, now relies on public transport as he cannot drive alone. “If I were to drive myself, the allocation wouldn’t be enough,” he said. He saves the subsidy for local travel in Kuantan when he needs to take his family around. “For now, as I work here in KL, it’s enough. But it wouldn’t cover the regular long-distance travelling for me to see my family.”– by KIRTINEE RAMESH

KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim has stressed that all parties must comply with the law, including in matters involving land use and the construction of houses of worship. Through a post on his official Facebook page, His Majesty said issues related to the construction of temples must be addressed through the same legal rules and channels applied to the building of mosques, churches and shrines. He recalled his experience in January 2018, when he acted as mediator to resolve the

that mutual respect is essential to prevent misunderstandings, tension and provocation, and to strengthen unity among Malaysians of diverse religions and cultures. Sultan Ibrahim said whenever issues arise concerning the construction of temples or other houses of worship, all parties must understand and respect the laws of the country, and resolve differences through lawful channels to preserve harmony, tolerance and goodwill. He stressed that religious issues should not be politicised in ways that could undermine

demolition of a temple in Johor in a peaceful, prudent and lawful manner. “I resolved the issue amicably and advised all parties involved to always abide by the law to avoid any untoward incidents and safeguard public order. “Islam emphasises the principle of mutual respect among people and does not prevent followers of other religions from practising their beliefs and forms of worship.” He added that followers of other religions should likewise show respect for Islam, noting

PM defends move not to adopt floating fuel price mechanism

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o ‘Budi95 benefits citizens overall and addresses leakages of previous blanket subsidy system’

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has defended the government’s decision not to adopt a floating fuel price mechanism as recommended by the World Bank and several economists, saying such an approach would have burdened a majority of Malaysians. He said the government instead implemented the Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95) targeted subsidy mechanism and set its price at RM1.99 per litre to ensure fuel consumption continues to benefit the people overall, adding that the system addresses leakages that plagued the previous blanket subsidy system. “If prices were floated fully, only households earning around RM13,000 and below would receive assistance while others would pay market rates. “We felt this would burden the majority of the people,” said Anwar, who is also Finance minister, during Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat. He was responding to a question from Fong Kui Lun (PH–Bukit Bintang) regarding savings achieved through Budi95 in 2025, projected savings for 2026 and how the funds are being utilised. Anwar said the move to implement targeted subsidies was necessary as leakages from untargeted fuel subsidies had reached unsustainable levels, including misuse and cross-border smuggling. “Not many countries dare to implement targeted subsidies because of the risks and challenges of public acceptance. However, when implemented, it was well received.” Drawing from earlier subsidy rationalisation efforts, he noted that reforms in electricity and diesel subsidies protected 85% of users while generating savings of RM6 billion and RM5 billion respectively. He described the implementation of Budi95 as smooth and orderly, crediting civil servants and enforcement agencies for ensuring effective execution. “A total of 3.1 million transactions are recorded daily and the system is operating well.” According to government data, the average monthly RON95 consumption stands at about 100 litres, although the ceiling is set at 300 litres. Anwar said 90% of users consume less than 200 litres per month, countering claims that the allocated amount is insufficient. He added that Malaysians have demonstrated responsibility by reporting cases of foreign-registered vehicles attempting to purchase subsidised fuel. “This attitude is commendable. It defends the rights of Malaysians and reflects a strong spirit of nationhood.”

Anwar said the targeted subsidy is projected to generate savings of about RM2.5 billion this year, subject to global crude oil prices and currency exchange rates. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

economic stability and social equity. On enforcement, he said leakages have significantly declined following Budi95 implementation, although isolated cases continue to be detected in border areas, such as Rantau Panjang, Tawau and Perlis. “These areas recorded the highest leakages, and surveillance and enforcement have been intensified there to prevent revenue losses.” He added that enforcement efforts against smuggling and illegal online gambling operations have resulted in seizures amounting to billions of ringgit, although such activities remain challenging to address due to their sophisticated and often overseas-based digital operations. Anwar reiterated that fuel subsidy reform balances fiscal discipline with social protection, ensuring low and middle-income groups continue to be safeguarded. “Our responsibility is to strengthen fiscal sustainability without compromising the welfare of the people.”

He said the targeted subsidy is projected to generate savings of about RM2.5 billion this year, subject to global crude oil prices and currency exchange rates. In the longer term, continued rationalisation is expected to produce substantial fiscal savings. He stressed that these savings are not only meant to reduce the fiscal deficit, but are also channelled back to the people through targeted assistance programmes. “Savings from targeted subsidies have enabled the government to expand cash assistance, such as Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah, to help Malaysians cope with rising living costs.” Two days ago, 22 million Malaysians aged 18 and above received RM100 each through MyKad under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah initiative, amounting to RM200 million disbursed within 48 hours. Anwar said subsidy rationalisation is part of a broader fiscal reform agenda aimed at restoring sustainability while maintaining