BUDI95: Communications Minister Fahmi Reminds Companies, “Don’t Make Staff Use Subsidy Petrol for Work!”

The BUDI MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) fuel subsidy is a government initiative designed to help eligible Malaysians, especially from the B40 and M40 income groups, manage their fuel expenses amid rising living costs. The subsidy is meant for personal use only — not for company vehicles or business operations.

Recently, a viral video sparked public anger after a courier worker claimed that his employer allegedly told staff to use their personal BUDI95 subsidies to refuel company vehicles. Some workers were even told to use their family members’ quotas when their own ran out.

budi95: communications minister fahmi reminds companies, “don’t make staff use subsidy petrol for work!”Photo via The Edge Malaysia

Company Has Its Own Fleet Fuel Card

Following the viral post, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil stepped in, confirming that the courier company involved is licensed under the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), “I’ve reviewed the video involving the courier company and have instructed MCMC to contact its CEO,” he said, as reported by Harian Metro.

Fahmi clarified that the company’s CEO admitted the firm already has its own fleet fuel card, meaning workers should never have been asked to use their personal BUDI95 quotas. The employee who posted the complaint has since deleted the video and issued an apology.

Government to Explore Better Aid for Delivery Workers

Fahmi reminded all employers that companies are not allowed to force workers to use targeted fuel subsidies for business purposes. He advised that if such incidents happen, employees should report directly to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Costs of Living (KPDN) or alert the relevant authorities for further investigation.

He also revealed that discussions are ongoing with the Finance Ministry and the Association of Malaysian Express Carriers (AMEC) to identify better financial aid options for delivery riders, especially gig workers who often rely on their own vehicles for work.

“For permanently employed riders, companies should provide fleet cards. As for gig workers, the Finance Ministry is looking into whether they can be included under the BUDI95 fuel quota,” Fahmi explained.

What You Should Know About BUDI95!

  • BUDI95 is strictly for personal use. It’s meant to reduce fuel costs for eligible Malaysians driving their own vehicles, not for company or business purposes.

  • Employers cannot demand or deduct employees’ BUDI95 quotas for work-related use.

  • If you’re told to use your subsidy for work, you can file a report with KPDN or contact MCMC if it involves a licensed courier company.

  • Always verify eligibility and usage terms through the official BUDI MADANI portal to avoid misuse.

Taking advantage of the subsidy system is an offence that can lead to penalties. If you receive unfair instructions regarding your BUDI95 quota, know your rights — and report it to protect yourself and others.

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