Gov’t To Cover Fuel Subsidies Expected To Reach RM3.2 Bln Monthly For Public Welfare -- Amir Hamzah

KUALA LUMPUR, March 13 (Bernama) -- The government will ensure citizens continue to receive assistance through targeted RON95 subsidies under the BUDI95 initiative, while keeping petrol and diesel prices unchanged despite the rise in fuel subsidy spending, said Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.

He said the government’s monthly petrol subsidy has increased to RM2 billion, while the diesel subsidy has also risen to RM1.2 billion per month, totalling RM3.2 billion per month, up from RM700 million previously.

“Even though the MADANI Government is dealing with the effects of rising global oil prices, the government will continue to take steps to ensure people are supported, and we are able to maintain the BUDI95 initiative, which provides some relief for the public.

“This burden can still be borne by the government because we have undertaken many reforms and fiscal consolidation over the three years the MADANI government has been in office, and we have the fiscal space to absorb it,” he said at a press conference after today's Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

-- BERNAMA