Kuala lumpur: The full implementation of BUDI MADANI Diesel (BUDI Diesel) today has been welcomed by diesel vehicle owners and businesses, who say the subsidised fuel price of RM2.10 per litre will help ease operating costs and support daily economic activities.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Finance Ministry announced that approximately 700,000 private vehicle owners across the nation are expected to benefit from the initiative. This includes 400,000 owners in Peninsular Malaysia and an additional 300,000 in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan.
In Terengganu, contractor company owner Din Mohamad, 32, expressed that the reduced diesel price would alleviate transportation and machinery costs at project sites, where fuel is a significant operating expense. His daily diesel expenditure typically ranges between RM100 and RM150. "Previously, filling up a Toyota Hilux could cost about RM400, but now it is just over RM200. The savings will help ease our daily operating costs," he noted during an interaction at a petrol station in Kuala Terengganu.
Similarly, contractor Mohd Iffat Mohd Zain, 35, highlighted that the decreased fuel cost would allow businesses to maintain service rates at a more reasonable level. His company, which offers grass-cutting and goods transportation services, benefits from the lower diesel prices by managing costs while keeping services affordable for customers. Notably, his company's application for an additional BUDI Diesel quota was approved last Saturday.
In Kuala Lumpur, cafe operator Muhammad Arif Saiful Bahari, 29, described the initiative as timely assistance for small traders reliant on diesel-powered vehicles for transporting goods and supplies. "Previously, RM50 worth of diesel would last only about three days. Now, the same amount can last more than a week," he shared.
Pensioner Shahrul Azuan Mohamad, 61, acknowledged that the subsidy sufficiently covers his vehicle's average fuel consumption, allowing him to allocate savings towards other household necessities.
In Pahang, diesel vehicle owner Khirrul Nirwan Bahaudin, 48, praised the direct subsidy mechanism for its convenience, as it allows users to purchase fuel at the subsidised price without waiting for cash assistance payments. Another beneficiary, Adnan Mohd, 53, appreciated the fixed diesel price of RM2.10 per litre for providing stability against market fuel price fluctuations.
In Penang, self-employed worker Nor Asman Noordin, 51, noted a significant reduction in his travelling expenses due to the initiative. However, he expressed hope for an increased subsidy quota to better meet monthly fuel demands. "The initiative has helped reduce our fuel expenses considerably, but the current quota is sometimes insufficient to last until the end of the month. We hope the government will consider increasing the subsidy quota," he said.
Meanwhile, delivery service operator Muhammad Khairul Md Yusof, 27, remarked that the lower diesel price would help cut operating costs, enabling him to offer more competitive rates and attract more customers. Tow truck operator S. Mahendran, 39, also welcomed the measure, emphasizing that reduced fuel costs would improve business sustainability by lowering day-to-day expenses.
In Selangor, Daniel Khoo, 40, a player in the transport and logistics industry, commented on the benefits of the fixed diesel price for both businesses and consumers. However, he suggested that the monthly subsidy quota for logistics operators and heavy transport companies should be increased to support long-term operational sustainability.
In Perlis, contractor Muhammad Faza Fikri, 32, and agricultural goods retailer Penney, 32, shared that the lower diesel price would help reduce business costs as both depend heavily on diesel-powered four-wheel-drive vehicles for their daily operations.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency