Malaysians who hold Singapore driving licences can start applying for the Budi95 fuel subsidy scheme from Thursday (Oct 16), announced Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
Loke said this move is meant to help the Finance Ministry evaluate and process applications from eligible Malaysians who work in Singapore, reported The Star.
To assist the Finance Ministry in assessing applications from this group, the Transport Ministry, through the Road Transport Department (JPJ), has set up a dedicated portal for registrations.
“All applications received will be submitted to the Finance Ministry for review and further eligibility assessment,” he said during a press conference in Parliament on Wednesday (Oct 15).
According to Loke, applications will be reviewed based on three main criteria: the applicant must be a Malaysian citizen, the Singapore driving licence must be valid, and the applicant’s work permit status in Singapore will be taken into account.
He added that Malaysians who no longer work in Singapore or are no longer required to hold a Singapore driving licence can reapply for a Malaysian one once they cancel their Singapore licence.
“Applications for reinstatement of Malaysian licences can be made at any JPJ office once confirmation is received that there are no restrictions, suspensions or convictions imposed by Singapore authorities on the licence,” he said.
Loke shared that the dedicated portal for Budi95 subsidy registration can be accessed at www.Budi95lesenSG.jpj.gov.my starting Oct 16. Applicants can check their eligibility status at www.Budi95.gov.my within 14 days after submission.
He also explained that the final approval for each application will be made by the Finance Ministry, which will evaluate all cases based on the conditions set under the Budi95 subsidy programme.
Loke stressed that the Budi95 subsidy is strictly for vehicles registered in Malaysia.
“Even if a Malaysian has a Singapore licence, the vehicle must be registered in our country with a Malaysian number plate. Those driving foreign-registered vehicles, including Singapore-plated ones, are not eligible to use RON95 fuel,” he said.
He added that this initiative mainly targets Malaysians who travel daily between Johor Bahru and Singapore for work.
“We know that around 200,000 Malaysians travel daily for work, especially in the service sector, but live and return to Johor Bahru each night. Many of them still own vehicles registered in Malaysia. Hence, it is fair that they are given the opportunity to apply,” he said.
Loke also said that the ministry currently does not have data on how many Malaysians hold Singapore driving licences.
“That is why we are opening the registration — to collect data from new applications. The information gathered will be submitted weekly to the Finance Ministry. Within two or three weeks, we expect to have an estimate of how many Malaysians fall under this group. Hopefully before October ends,” he said.
