Kuala lumpur: The move to exempt e-hailing drivers from the 300-litre monthly subsidised ceiling of RON95 petrol, effective Sept 30, is viewed as timely in meeting the needs of the gig industry, which relies heavily on the fuel for daily income. Grab Drivers Malaysia Association (GDMA) president Mohd Azril Ahmat welcomed the government's decision, saying the 300-litre monthly quota set for ordinary users was insufficient for full-time e-hailing drivers.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Azril emphasized that e-hailing drivers typically consume between 25 and 30 litres of petrol daily, rendering the 300-litre quota inadequate as it lasts merely about 10 days. E-hailing drivers require at least 700 to 800 litres of petrol monthly to fulfill work demands. Despite the relief provided by the exemption, Mohd Azril underscored the necessity of a stringent verification mechanism to prevent misuse and ensure subsidies reach genuine e-hailing drivers.
He advocated for collaboration between the government and e-hailing companies to gather accurate data and prevent potential abuses, such as applications for exemptions by those who perform only minimal trips. He noted that the verification process must be refined to guarantee that only legitimate drivers benefit, thereby ensuring that the subsidy serves its targeted purpose effectively.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the reduction of RON95 petrol price to RM1.99 per litre from RM2.05 under the BUDI MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) initiative. The Finance Ministry stated that the BUDI95 system would initially launch on Sept 27 for military and police personnel, followed by B40 cash aid recipients on Sept 28, and subsequently be available to 16 million Malaysians from Sept 30.
E-hailing driver Ahmad Kamal Mohamed Hussin, 59, noted that the exemption would significantly reduce operating costs for the group, allowing for increased savings from petrol expenses. These savings could be redirected towards vehicle maintenance, thus alleviating financial burdens on drivers.
P-hailing rider Nurhazirah Mohd Anuar, 26, acknowledged that although the six-sen reduction per litre in RON95 petrol might appear minimal, it significantly impacts those with high fuel expenditures. Nurhazirah called for the continued improvement of the targeted subsidy, highlighting the unpredictability of gig economy incomes due to external factors like weather and demand.