According to Berita Harian, finance minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan said that using MyKads in the BUDI95 scheme had proven effective in reducing leakages and achieving savings without drastically changing Malaysians’ purchasing habits.

He added that the success of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme in both urban and rural areas suggested that a MyKad-based diesel distribution could be feasible.

However, Amir said that transitioning to such an approach would require detailed studies, as diesel usage patterns vary by region, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak where diesel is used not only for vehicles but for electricity generation.

“There are also areas without access to conventional petrol stations, which rely instead on alternative distribution methods,” he said in an interview.

“If we want to implement MyKads for diesel, we must ensure that supplies are not disrupted. We need time to ensure that nothing is overlooked that could become an obstacle.

“That is one aspect that the finance ministry, together with the domestic trade and cost of living ministry, is currently examining.”

The BUDI95 programme was launched in September 2025 to ensure that RON95 petrol subsidies benefit only eligible Malaysians, while curbing leakages to foreigners and commercial entities.

Under the programme, Malaysian citizens aged 16 and above with a valid driving licence can purchase up to 300 litres of RON95 per month at a subsidised price of RM1.99 per litre, with eligibility verified via MyKad.

The quota was temporarily reduced to 200 litres due to the sharp rise in global oil prices triggered by the Middle East conflict.