Imagine the frustration of e-hailing drivers who rely on affordable fuel to make ends meet, only to find their monthly quota falling short during peak hours – it's a real concern that's pushing the Malaysian government to step in with potential relief.
In a recent update from Kuala Lumpur, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced that the authorities are open to boosting the Budi95 fuel allowance for e-hailing drivers up to 800 liters per month, should the data justify it. For those new to this, Budi95 is a government initiative aimed at providing subsidized RON95 petrol to everyday Malaysians, helping ease the burden of rising fuel costs while targeting essential users like drivers.
Right now, around 58,000 e-hailing drivers can access 600 liters monthly through this program, which is meant to support their daily grind on the roads. But as Anwar highlighted during Tuesday's Prime Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on November 4, not everyone in the sector is satisfied. Many drivers have voiced that this amount just doesn't cut it for their demanding schedules, especially when juggling multiple rides across the city.
'We're reviewing the situation closely,' Anwar explained. 'If evidence shows a genuine shortfall – backed by solid records – we're fully on board with raising it to a maximum of 800 liters for those who qualify.' He went on to note that this adjustment would typically cover about 5,000 kilometers of driving, though it comes with specific rules and conditions to ensure fair use. Think of it as a safety net tailored for professionals who clock serious mileage, but one that requires accountability to prevent abuse.
And here's where it gets interesting – or perhaps a bit controversial: the government is also extending eligibility for subsidized RON95 to airport taxis under the existing Subsidised Petrol Control System (SKPS) scheme. This move recognizes the vital role these vehicles play in transporting passengers to and from airports, often involving longer hauls and unpredictable traffic. But is this enough to address broader complaints from other transport workers, like riverboat operators? That's a point we'll circle back to.
Shifting focus to regular consumers, Anwar shared some reassuring stats from the program's first month. Only a tiny fraction – about 0.7% – have gone over the standard 300-liter limit, with most folks averaging just 98 liters, or roughly one-third of their allowance. This suggests the quota is hitting the mark for everyday drivers who aren't in high-volume professions, keeping things balanced without widespread overuse.
Anwar was fielding a query from Syerleena Abdul Rashid, the PH-Bukit Bendera MP, who wanted details on how the Budi95 rollout has fared so far and what steps are being taken to iron out kinks. Her questions zeroed in on challenges faced by airport taxi drivers, e-hailing pros, and even riverboat users hoping to tap into the subsidies. By the close of last month, an impressive 13.1 million Malaysians had already jumped on board with Budi95 – a sign of its quick uptake among the public.
To qualify under Budi95, you need to be a Malaysian aged 16 or older with a valid driving license, and you can purchase up to 300 liters of discounted RON95 each month by swiping your MyKad at participating stations. It's designed to be straightforward, promoting accessibility for all eligible road users without unnecessary red tape.
Yet, the e-hailing community isn't holding back on their feedback. Just a day before Anwar's statement, on October 31, drivers publicly called out the 600-liter cap as too restrictive for sustaining full-day operations. They pushed for at least 1,000 liters to better match the realities of their job. Take Grab driver Mohd Saiful Faiz Md Nazri, for instance – he shared how tough it is to handle extended trips without dipping into pricier fuel, especially for services like Standard and JustGrab that rack up more requests and longer distances. For these folks, every liter counts toward profitability in an industry already squeezed by competition and costs.
But here's the part most people miss: while the government's willingness to hike the quota to 800 liters shows responsiveness, it stops short of the 1,000 liters many drivers are demanding. Is this a fair compromise, or does it risk leaving hardworking e-hailing operators in the lurch? And what about underserved groups like riverboat users – will they get similar attention, or is the focus too narrow on land-based transport?
What do you think? Does 800 liters sound like a solid solution for e-hailing drivers, or should the quota go even higher to truly support the gig economy? Drop your thoughts in the comments – I'd love to hear if you've experienced fuel quota issues yourself or if this policy feels like a step in the right direction.
