MCA has applauded Putrajaya for not reneging on its promise to implement targeted diesel subsidy following the Finance Ministry’s announcement of the Program Bantuan Subsidi Madani (Budi Madani).
However, its vice president Datuk Lawrence Low said the Budi Madani programme raises numerous questions, including the actual purpose of the Central Database Hub (PADU) that had cost the government millions of ringgit.
Low was referring to the ministry’s announcement of the diesel subsidy aid programme involving a monthly allocation of RM200 for eligible individuals as well as agriculture and commodity smallholders that was announced on Monday (May 27).
“How many more times does the government intend to gather data from the people?” he asked in a statement on Tuesday (May 28).
“Also, is RM200 per month sufficient, and what is it based on? How does the government intend to ensure fair equity between the Individual BUDI and Agri-Commodity BUDI categories?”
For context, under the programme, diesel vehicle owners and smallholders can apply under two categories, namely Individual BUDI for individual diesel vehicle owners and Agri-Commodity BUDI for smallholders in agriculture and commodities. Eligible recipients will receive RM200 per month.
Low further questioned if the information previously provided by the citizens to PADU was insufficient to dispense Budi Madani, hence the need for new applications.
“Will the same process become a repetitive cycle whereby people need to make new applications every time the government wants to provide assistance or subsidies?” he asked.
“Why complicate matters further for the rakyat who are already struggling, especially when there are easier and more people-friendly methods available?
“While the government’s effort to provide assistance and subsidies to citizens is indeed a noble one, but it is hoped that it can be delivered in a more convenient and efficient manner to avoid burdening people.”
According to the Finance Ministry’s statement, the eligibility criteria for Individual BUDI require applicants to be Malaysian citizens and own a non-luxury diesel vehicle under 10 years old, having an active road tax and earning an annual income of RM100,000 or less.
Meanwhile, applicants for Agri-Commodity BUDI must be smallholders registered with the relevant ministry and generate an annual income of between RM50,000 and RM300,000.
The Finance Ministry also said that early applications for both categories were open until mid-June, and applications can be made online at https://budimadani.gov.my. – May 28, 2024
