Kuala lumpur: The tiered eligibility scheme under the BUDI MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) targeted subsidy programme for e-hailing drivers will be activated in the middle of each month, announced the Ministry of Finance (MoF). This initiative aims to distribute subsidies more equitably and inclusively, supporting the livelihoods of e-hailing and airport taxi drivers.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the BUDI95 eligibility for e-hailing drivers will be based on the travel distances recorded by e-hailing operator companies (EHOs) for the preceding month. Drivers covering less than 2,000 kilometres will receive a basic 300 litres, while those traveling between 2,000 and 5,000 kilometres will be eligible for an additional 300 litres, totaling 600 litres. For drivers exceeding 5,000 kilometres, an additional 500 litres will be provided, bringing their total monthly quota to 800 litres.
Verification of travel distance data will be conducted by the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) and the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board (LPKP) in Sabah and Sarawak, based on monthly reports from EHOs. The new threshold has been lowered from 3,000 km to 2,000 km, with a new category introduced for those exceeding 5,000 km, after a study by MoF on e-hailing drivers' travel patterns and subsidy usage.
For airport taxi drivers, operating companies may apply for a fleet card under the Subsidised Petrol and Diesel Control Scheme, managed by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, allowing them up to 800 litres of subsidised RON95 monthly. However, airport limousines with fares not regulated by APAD are not eligible. Further details on the additional BUDI95 eligibility criteria will be announced by APAD and LPKP, with fleet card applications available via the portal https://mysubsidi.kpdn.gov.my.
Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that the government agreed to increase the BUDI95 eligibility ceiling for qualified e-hailing drivers to 800 litres per month, subject to specific travel conditions. Anwar mentioned this decision followed government reviews of appeals from e-hailing drivers concerning their actual fuel usage.