Kuala lumpur: The government's decision to temporarily adjust the Budi MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) quota, while maintaining the subsidised RON95 price at RM1.99 per litre, has been seen as a policy recalibration reflecting global economic realities and the rising costs of living following the West Asia conflict. Members of the public interviewed said the revised monthly fuel quota, from 300 litres to 200 litres, alongside the retained subsidised price, still offers some relief in managing daily expenses.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, many acknowledged the move as a necessary interim measure amid economic uncertainty, viewing it as a strategic step by the MADANI Government to strengthen national resilience and safeguard long-term economic credibility. In Kedah, p-hailing rider Muhammad Irfan Zhafir Ahmad, 36, welcomed the decision to retain the subsidised RON95 price, expressing confidence that the government had considered public welfare before finalising the policy. He noted that the adjustment is only temporary and might be reversed if the current conflict improves.

Civil servant Isma Ismail, 44, who travels daily by motorcycle from his house in Taman Megong, Alor Setar, to work in Padang Terap, said the maintained subsidised price would definitely help ease the financial burdens of the people. He emphasized that the government's decision underscores its commitment to shielding the public from rising living costs amidst global uncertainty.

In Terengganu, journalist Azlan Adli, 46, from Kampung Losong, Kuala Nerus, described the adjustment as unavoidable given the situation in West Asia. He mentioned that his monthly fuel use exceeds 300 litres, prompting him to consider alternative means of transport, like taking a bus, to save on petrol.

In Perak, Kampar Member of Parliament Chong Zhemin stressed that the temporary adjustment does not amount to subsidy removal but rather an effort to make the mechanism more targeted. He explained that amid volatile global oil prices and Malaysia's shift from a net exporter to increasing reliance on imports, the government must ensure that limited resources are directed to those who genuinely need them, while curbing leakages and misuse.

Food stall operator Ahmad Farhan Ilias, 42, from Kelantan, said the government's strategic approach aims to curb leakages, particularly fuel smuggling in border areas. He believes the temporary measure is appropriate given the current global economic situation following the conflict in West Asia.

In Melaka, private sector employee Zairin Ahad, 35, described the temporary adjustment to the BUDI95 scheme and the retention of subsidised petrol prices as timely and justified. He expressed belief that the implementation could help safeguard the country's fuel sustainability, especially with alternatives such as working from home.

In his special address, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that the targeted subsidy adjustment was made after reviewing average BUDI95 usage, which stands at around 100 litres per month. With nearly 90 per cent of the population consuming less than 200 litres monthly, most users would not be affected. Anwar also appealed to the public for understanding, stressing that the measures were carefully considered in light of current pressures facing the country.