28/03/2026

SATURDAY | MAR 28, 2026

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MEF urges businesses to help reduce fuel use

PETALING JAYA: Fuel is once again the topic dominating the national conversation, after new monthly fuel purchase limits were set for subsidised petrol users and an 800-litre cap was fixed for e hailing drivers. A full-time e-hailing driver Mohd Shahril Nizam Khalil, 49, said the 800-litre monthly fuel limit is sufficient for his current needs as he typically uses about 30 litres of fuel a day or roughly 750 litres a month based on 25 working days. He said the allocation allows him to complete about 25 to 35 trips daily without putting him under financial strain. “For me, it’s enough. My usage is around that range every month. So, it fits my daily operations,” he said, adding that fuel remains one of his biggest operating costs. Mohd Shahril also expressed appreciation to the government for maintaining the current ceiling, saying it provides stability for full-time drivers who depend on e-hailing as their main source of income. He expressed hope that the quota would not be changed in the future, saying that any cut could further squeeze earnings amid rising maintenance and other operating costs. “I’m thankful if it stays like this but if it changes later, it will definitely affect us because our costs won’t go down.” He added that the current arrangement helps encourage more efficient fuel consumption and supports wider efforts to promote public transport and shared mobility while still accommodating those who rely on e-hailing for their livelihood. Accountant Aina Sofea Mohd Saiful, 27, said the 200-litre monthly cap under the Budi95 scheme appears “reasonable on paper”. She said its impact would however depend heavily on individual travel distance and daily commuting patterns. Aina Sofea said those living farther from city centres or travelling frequently for work may feel the cap is tighter than expected. “If you stay far from your office or you’re constantly on the road, 200 litres can disappear faster than expected. For normal city driving it might be manageable but it really depends on your lifestyle and how often you use your car. “Most of us just pump fuel when needed. We don’t really calculate litres per month. So now people might start paying more attention, which is not necessarily a bad thing.” Private employee Muhammad Arif Roslan, 38, who travels frequently for work across states, said the new monthly cap is unlikely to be sufficient for his needs, as his job requires constant intercity travel, making fuel one of his biggest monthly expenses. “For people like me who travel from state to state for work, 200 litres is honestly not enough. I can easily use that in less than two weeks.” He added that while he understands the government’s intention as part of broader efforts to manage subsidy rationalisation amid global economic pressures, the allocation may still fall short of the realities faced by frequent long-distance workers. Monthly purchase limit for RON95 becomes talking point PETALING JAYA: Flexible working arrangements (FWA), once largely seen as a workplace convenience, are now being positioned as a strategic response to rising energy costs and global economic pressures. The federal government is urging private sector employers to adopt measures including work-from-home options. The Human Resources Ministry said in a statement yesterday that FWA is a strategic approach to help organisations maintain productivity while adapting to rising operational costs, particularly those linked to increased energy prices and workforce mobility. “Flexible work models, including hybrid work, staggered hours and job rotation can benefit both employers and employees by improving

responsibility. He stressed that implementation must be pragmatic, phased and sensitive to sectoral realities, warning that a one-size-fits-all approach would not be practical. “Rising operational costs, particularly in logistics, transport and manufacturing, remain a concern as fuel accounts for a significant portion of business expenditure.” He added that abrupt policy shifts could lead to higher production costs, supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures. On MSMEs, Syed Hussain said they face greater constraints in absorbing rising costs and investing in green technologies. He therefore called for targeted support measures, including tax incentives and grants for energy-efficient investments, phased implementation timelines and clearer policy communication to improve planning certainty. “Fuel rationalisation must be a shared national responsibility involving the government, businesses and the public. This is not a challenge for the government alone, it requires a whole-of-nation approach. “MEF remains committed to working with the government to ensure that the measures are implemented in a way that balances economic sustainability, business continuity and national resilience.”

o ‘Employers should adopt practical steps such as flexible work-from-home arrangements and carpooling initiatives apart from boosting use of public transport’

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has urged businesses to immediately help reduce fuel use through remote work, carpooling and more efficient logistics practices as all segments of society are called to play a proactive role in conserving fuel. Its president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said employers should adopt practical steps without compromising productivity or operational continuity. He said this includes offering flexible work from-home arrangements for non-critical roles, encouraging carpooling initiatives and increasing the use of public transport. “Malaysia cannot remain insulated from external pressures. MEF fully supports the government’s fuel rationalisation efforts and calls on all stakeholders to act decisively and responsibly in managing fuel consumption,” Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

he said in a statement yesterday. “Employers should optimise logistics planning through better route management, improved load efficiency and minimisation of unnecessary trips. The use of virtual meeting platforms should be intensified to reduce the need for physical travel.” Syed Hussain encouraged businesses to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices such as the use of solar energy and electric vehicles where feasible, while also fostering a culture of energy conservation within organisations. “Beyond policies and operational measures, there must be a shift in mindset. Employers should actively educate and engage with employees to instil responsible energy usage as a shared organisational value.” He commended the government’s targeted subsidy approach, saying it helps cushion the impact on households and businesses while maintaining fiscal

Syed Hussain said employers should introduce flexible work-from-home arrangements, encourage carpooling and increase the use of public transport. – AMIRUL SYA F IQ /THESUN

“Maybe there should be some flexibility for people whose work depends on travel. Otherwise, it becomes quite a burden for us.” – B y Qirana Nabilla Mohd Rashidi Call to promote flexible working arrangements

the system. Employers can access further information via TalentCorp’s FlexWorkLife initiative. On Thursday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim urged the private sector to adopt FWA following the government’s plan to expand such practices in the civil service. He said the move is aimed at helping Malaysia manage rising costs linked to global supply disruptions, especially in fuel and essential goods, due to the West Asia conflict. In a special address, Anwar said work-from home arrangements for civil servants would be rolled out in stages, and encouraged private companies to follow suit, emphasising that some banks and firms are already doing so. – By Qirana Nabilla Mohd Rashidi

suitability, implement flexible work models gradually based on operational needs and make use of available government support. It stressed that the initiative aims to strengthen organisational resilience while safeguarding workers’ welfare. “We reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that employee well-being and business continuity remain balanced amid global challenges.” To support implementation, the ministry, through the Labour Department and Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp), is providing advisory services, training and best practice guidance. A dedicated FWA guideline published in 2024 is also available to assist employers in rolling out

efficiency and supporting better work-life balance.” The ministry also highlighted provisions under the Employment Act 1955, following amendments that came into force on Jan 1, 2023, which allow employees to apply for flexible working arrangements regarding working hours, days or location. It added that under Sections 60P and 60Q of the Act, employers are required to consider such applications. “However, existing statutory employment benefits, including overtime pay, rest day and public holiday entitlements, annual leave and sick leave, must not be reduced for employees under FWA.” The ministry urged employers to assess