Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has once again underlined the importance of rationalising the RON95 fuel subsidy, stressing that the move is essential for the long-term benefit of the country.

Speaking on the matter, Anwar assured that the planned changes will not burden the majority of Malaysians. He said that the rationalisation is being portrayed negatively by certain quarters, but in reality, 85 to 90 percent of the population will not experience a significant impact.

“There’s been a lot of misleading talk about the RON95 subsidy. I want to make it clear—most Malaysians will not be affected. The opposition’s narrative is simply a tactic to stir public sentiment,” he said, as quoted by NST Online.



Anwar further explained that the reform is crucial to redirect national resources towards improving the education system, healthcare services, and targeted assistance for those in need.

Meanwhile, concerns were raised by the Petroleum Dealers Association Malaysia (PDAM), with its president Khairul Annuar Abdul Aziz urging the government to delay the subsidy revamp. He pointed out two unresolved issues: the outdated Automatic Pricing Mechanism (unchanged since 2019) and the current Merchant Discount Rate, both of which affect dealers' operational viability.

Adding to the discussion, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan recently confirmed that the RON95 subsidy rationalisation will take place in the second half of this year, aligning with the government’s broader plan to improve subsidy targeting.