RON95 patrol subsidy, M'sians to get up to 300l of RM1.99 RON95 - a 6 sen drop from RM2.05 a month from Sept 30, 2025

The RON95 subsidy retargeting is a key piece of the government’s efforts to repair its finances after nearly three decades of budget deficits.

Here is a detailed summary of the BUDI95 RON95 petrol subsidy for Malaysians, effective September 30

PUTRAJAYA: The price of RON95 petrol has been reduced to RM1.99 per litre, from RM2.05 per litre, effective Sept 30, through targeted subsidies under the Budi Madani RON95 (BUDI95) programme.

The good news was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Monday (Sept 22) at his monthly meeting with staff of the Prime Minister's Department.

Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said all Malaysian citizens with a valid driving licence are eligible for the RON95 subsidy and based on data from the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the National Registration Department (JPN), it is estimated that more than 16 million people are eligible to receive the subsidy.

"These benefits and privileges are given as an appreciation and recognition of the spirit of National Day and Malaysia Day, as well as to honour all Malaysians.

"Starting Sept 30, non-citizens and large companies will no longer be eligible for the subsidy, as it is meant solely for personal use. They will have to pay the non-subsidised price of about RM2.60 per litre, while Malaysian citizens will continue to enjoy the subsidised price of RM1.99 per litre," he said.

Malaysians, he said, are eligible to receive a monthly BUDI95 of 300l, but e-hailing drivers can apply for a higher ceiling.

He added that, as a gesture of appreciation, police and military personnel will begin enjoying the RM1.99 per litre price from Saturday (Sept 27), ahead of the official implementation date, while the B40 group, who are recipients of the Rahmah Cash Contribution (STR), will start enjoying the subsidised price from Sunday (Sept 28).

This is to allow the public to gradually adapt to the new RON95 subsidy mechanism, he said.

Anwar said that, similar to the Basic Rahmah Contribution (Sara), no registration is required for BUDI95. Malaysians only need to use their MyKad to enjoy the subsidised price.

MyKad reader machines will be installed at shops and petrol pumps to help reduce the risk of congestion.

In this regard, he reminded the public to ensure their MyKad chips are functioning properly and that they hold a valid driving licence.

"Only citizens with a valid driving licence are eligible to receive the subsidy. So, for those who have yet to renew their licence, please do so immediately.

"Just like Sara, this is an appreciation initiative. It does not matter what your income level or position is - we are extending the blessing and benefit of this RON95 subsidy to all Malaysians.

"Some may criticise that even the super-rich are entitled to it, but this is our way of recognising and appreciating Malaysian citizens," he said.

For those who are digitally literate, Anwar said there are alternative payment options such as Touch'n Go and oil company applications like Petronas' Setel, which eliminate the need to use MyKad for every transaction.

He said Malaysia is the only country in the world bold enough to reduce fuel prices for its people despite the current uncertain global economic situation.

"Currently, the price in Saudi Arabia is RM2.61 per litre, and that is one of the largest oil-producing countries in the world. In comparison, petrol prices are RM3.22 per litre in Indonesia, RM4.22 per litre in the Philippines, RM5.68 per litre in Thailand, and RM9.02 per litre in Singapore.

"Of course, Singapore is not an oil producer, but I want to emphasise that even among oil-producing nations, Malaysia remains among the lowest... the only one slightly lower than us is Brunei," he said.

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New Covid-19 variant found

 

Pakar kesihatan turut memberi amaran bahawa kanak-kanak antara golongan lebih berisiko mengalami komplikasi serius jika dijangkiti varian XFG Covid-19. — Gambar hiasan

Photo: Bernama

PUTRAJAYA: A new Covid-19 variant has been detected in Malaysia, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (pic).

He said the XFG variant accounted for 8.2% of the 43,087 accumulated Covid-19 cases reported in the 35th epidemiology week (ME 35/2025).

He said the new variant was detected by the Health Ministry through genomic surveillance to track the spread of variants.

“The latest genomic surveillance data shows that 34% of the reported cases are of the NB.1.8.1 variant, followed by JN.1 (18.1%), XEC (13.3%), XFG (8.2%) and others (21.0%),” he posted on his X account yesterday.

He added that the number of Covid-19 cases recorded in ME 35/2025 was a 49.5% drop compared with the number of cases reported in the same period last year, which was 85,297.

Dzulkefly said one death has also been reported in ME 35/2025 – a 91-year-old bedridden person – bringing the total number of deaths this year to three.

In June this year, the World Health Organisation designated the XFG variant as a “variant under monitoring” due to its high transmissibility and increased ability to evade immunity.

Dzulkefly reminded the public to continue preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, wearing face masks when symptomatic or in crowded areas and getting vaccinated, especially those in high-risk groups.

Varian baharu XFG Covid-19 dikesan di Malaysia, kanak- ...

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2 days ago — “Data terkini pemantauan genomik menunjukkan NB.1.8.1 masih dominan dengan 34 peratus, diikuti JN.1 (18.1%), XEC (13.3%), XFG (8.2%) dan ..

Functional cards crucial for govt aid

 

Spoilt chips: (From left) Saravanan and Batumalai showing their MyKads while waiting to replace them at UTC Selangor in Shah Alam. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star

SHAH ALAM: With the government set to introduce the targeted RON95 fuel subsidy scheme at the end of this month, many Malaysians have begun checking the condition of their MyKad chips to ensure they remain functional.

Queues at National Registration Department (NRD) counters have seen not only first-time applicants and routine renewals but also individuals seeking to verify whether their cards are still in working order.

R. Saravanan, 46, who works in the private sector, said he was planning to renew his card after realising the chip was no longer functional.

“I intend to renew my IC because the chip has spoilt. To participate in government programmes, it is necessary to have a valid IC, so we must proceed with the renewal.

“These initiatives like MySara make our lives easier, so the duty to ‘repair’ is on us,” he said when met here yesterday.

For retirees such as K. Batumalai, 72, the subsidies and other cash assistance schemes make maintaining a functional MyKad even more essential.

“I have retired. The government is giving help, like the RM100 MySara, so I can use this money for myself and the home. My IC chip is also spoilt, so I am here to replace it,” he explained.

Parent Zam Azri Muhamad, 46, said he took the opportunity to confirm the status of his own MyKad while visiting NRD counters to register his son’s identity card.

“I came for my son’s IC – he’s 12 years old – but at the same time I will ask officers if they can check my IC to prepare for the RON95 subsidy rollout at the end of this month,” he said.

Lecturer Lim Wee Leek, 46, shared the same sentiment.

“I use my IC regularly, so I am confident that the chip is working well. But since I am here for my son’s IC, and if I don’t need to queue too long, I intend to ask the officers if I could check whether my IC chip is still working,” he said.

Shahida Shohairy, 44, an operations executive, said she had already updated her card in anticipation of the subsidy rollout.

“I am here for my son’s MyKad. He turned 12 recently, so it’s time for him to have his own MyKad,” she said, adding that she wants to avoid last-minute issues.

Housewife Noor Ain Abu Bakar, 35, said her family has made early preparations.

“We checked our IC chips earlier to make sure they are fine. We use them for all government initiatives, like MySara, MyKasih and others, so we already know they are in good condition,” she said.

A JPN employee at the counter reassured visitors that the process was quick.

“You can just check your IC here, and I will swipe it on the device at the counter. It is literally one swipe, which takes a second,” the officer said.

For those whose cards are damaged, the repair process involves visiting the nearest JPN office, filling in a form, submitting fingerprints, getting a new photo taken, paying the replacement fee, and waiting for the new card to be processed.

Fees range from RM10 for normal wear and tear to RM50 for negligence, while replacements due to manufacturing defects are free.

Processing takes about five working days in Peninsular Malaysia and up to 10 in Sabah and Sarawak.

Applicants will be given a temporary slip while waiting and must collect their new MyKad in person.

By ARFA YUNUS

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• ‘Subsidy mechanism could pose challenges’

370,000 landowners in Penang to pay more

 

Overdue revision: Penang will increase quit rent in the state at the beginning of next year. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star

This means they will be paying an additional 16sen per square metre following the state's decision to revise the quit rent rate which has not been reviewed for 31 years. To minimise the financial burden on the people, a 32.5% tax rebate will be provided next year, followed by a 20% rebate in 2027 and 2028.

370,000 landowners in Penang to pay more | The Star

370,000 landowners in Penang to pay more | The Star

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/09/20/370000-landowners-in-penang-to-pay-more#:~:text=This%20means%20they%20will%20be,rebate%20in%202027%20and%202028.

GEORGE TOWN: Come Jan 1, about 370,000 land title owners in Penang will face an increase in their quit rent rate of between 29% and 200%, a move that has raised eyebrows.

This means they will be paying an additional 16sen per square metre following the state’s decision to revise the quit rent rate which has not been reviewed for 31 years.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/09/20/370000-landowners-in-penang-to-pay-more#:~:text=This%20means%20they%20will%20be,rebate%20in%202027%20and%202028.

More heavy rain and flooding expected in Oct, says MetMalaysia

 

Weather watch: MetMalaysia staff monitoring a weather forecast display. — AZMAN GHANI /The Star

PETALING JAYA: The heavy rains and deadly Sabah floods and landslides have already claimed 13 lives.

But meteorologists warn that this could only mark the start of a more dangerous monsoon season.

There is likely to be worse weather ahead as Malaysia transitions from the southwest to the northeast monsoon.

“Thunderstorms and heavy rains are on the horizon in October. 

“From mid-November, the northeast monsoon will bring continuous rainfall, affecting the east coast of the peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak,” Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip says.

He noted that these weather patterns will particularly affect the western and inland regions of the peninsula, as well as western and central Sarawak and western Sabah, with the most intense activity occurring in the afternoons and early evenings.

Hisham warned that low-lying and riverbank areas could see flash floods.

“Climate change is causing more frequent and extreme weather events, including heavier rainfall and severe thunderstorms accompanied by hailstorms and tornadoes.

“It’s essential to understand our climate patterns and plan travel to avoid high-risk areas during adverse weather,” he said.

Climatologists anticipate wetter and more extreme weather in the coming months due to climate change and the La Nina phenomenon.

Dr Fredolin Tangang of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia highlighted a report from the US Climate Prediction Centre, which predicts a more than 70% chance of Pacific Ocean cooling between October and December.

“This will lead to high atmospheric moisture during the northeast monsoon starting mid-November, increasing the likelihood of extreme weather,” he said.

Tangang noted that global warming exacerbates these conditions by increasing the atmosphere’s moisture capacity, causing more and heavier rain.

He warned that the La Nina effect, combined with global warming, is likely to persist, heightening the risk of extreme rainfall, floods and landslides in Malaysia, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak.

“Proper maintenance of drainage systems is crucial to manage the increased rainfall,” he added

Meteorologist Prof Datuk Dr Azizan Abu Samah also predicted heavier rainfall due to La Nina.

“Although currently in an ENSO-neutral state, forecasts indicate a weak La Nina this winter, suggesting above-average rain during the northeast monsoon,” he said.

The inter-monsoon transition is expected around October to November as the southwest monsoon weakens.

Azizan said the recent heavy rainfall in Sabah was due to a westerly southwest wind and the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) interacting with a cyclonic low pressure north of the Philippines.

“The wet phase of the MJO should end by this weekend, providing relief to Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.

The National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) reported the end of the southwest monsoon, which began on May 10, has caused some areas to see daily rainfall of over 80mm.

Eastern Sabah is likely to see more thunderstorms and heavy rain, at least until Sept 22.

Squall lines capable of producing severe weather are also expected in western Peninsular Malaysia, western Sabah, and northern Sarawak during early mornings, with thunderstorms likely in other regions during afternoons and evenings.

Nadma director-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah said that the agency was fully prepared, especially after the minor earthquake in Segamat, Johor, and the heavy rains in Sabah.

By MARTIN CARVALHO

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CAEXPO adds imagination to high-quality regional cooperation

 

An aerial photo taken on September 15, 2025 shows the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center, the venue for the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) in Nanning, South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Photo: VCG

On Wednesday, the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit kicked off in Nanning, South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. With about 3,200 companies from 60 countries participating, this grand event, themed "Digital Intelligence and Innovation empower Development - Leveraging ASEAN-China FTA 3.0 new opportunities for an even closer ASEAN-China community with a shared future," features a high concentration of AI, business, innovation, and financial elements. It is not only an important platform for economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region but also a vivid practice of China and ASEAN countries upholding multilateral trade and building a community with a shared future. It sends a strong signal to the world of unity, cooperation, and common development.

In 2021, President Xi Jinping proposed the joint building of a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful and amicable home, charting the course for China-ASEAN cooperation. Today, China and ASEAN have become a model of regional cooperation marked by mutual support and shared destiny. The data speaks for itself. From January to August this year, trade between China and ASEAN reached $686.78 billion, an 8.6 percent year-on-year increase. As of July, two-way investment between the two sides exceeded $450 billion. The effect of visa-free policies has been significant - from January to August, the number of trips between China and ASEAN exceeded 25 million, up 11.2 percent year on year, truly deepening "hard connectivity" of infrastructure, "soft connectivity" of rules and standards and "heart-to-heart connectivity" between the people.

"The speech script is right in my glasses - you can't see it, but I can." At the opening ceremony, Chen Gang, secretary of the Communist Party of China Committee of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, showcased a pair of smart glasses, one of the latest achievements of the China-ASEAN Artificial Intelligence Innovation Cooperation Center. This year's CAEXPO highlights AI empowerment and innovation. The 10,000-square-meter pavilions for artificial intelligence and new-quality productive forces not only witness the implementation of China-ASEAN bilateral agreements but also sketch out a blueprint for upgrading cross-border industrial chains. Through the platform of the CAEXPO, China and neighboring countries "share in real time" the fruits of high-tech development and provide inclusive AI benefit-sharing programs, injecting imagination into high-quality regional cooperation.

How popular is the CAEXPO? Just look at its "spin-offs." Two months before the event, the "AI for All: China-ASEAN" competition, dubbed "AI Super League" by the media, was already trending. From Nanning in Guangxi to Bangkok in Thailand and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, AI companies from China and ASEAN countries have been exploring new paths of cooperation. Coinciding with the CAEXPO's opening, high-level meetings such as the China-ASEAN Ministerial Roundtable on Construction and the China-ASEAN Meteorological Forum are also being held. From enabling "low-latency transmission" of meteorological data to jointly advancing "better housing" initiatives and the preservation of urban-rural historical culture, the CAEXPO and its "derivative platforms" continue to enrich and expand the connotations of the China-ASEAN "Nanning Channel."

How close is the cooperation between China and ASEAN? The results of their collaboration are the most convincing evidence. Over the past decade, high-quality Belt and Road cooperation has deepened, resulting in a consensus and documents for building a community with a shared future between China and eight ASEAN countries, including Laos and Cambodia. Emerging fields such as the digital economy and green economy have become new growth points for cooperation. Meanwhile, iconic connectivity projects like the China-Laos Railway and the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway have brought the construction of the China-ASEAN community with a shared future even closer. 

China and ASEAN countries are both part of the Global South, sharing a common pursuit of a better life and the goals of achieving Chinese modernization and modernization in Southeast Asian countries. This has led to a harmonious resonance in the process of expanding opening-up and promoting higher-quality cooperation. 

In the context of unilateralism and protectionism continuously impacting global supply chains, the convening of the CAEXPO has set a model for multilateral cooperation, openness, inclusiveness, and mutual benefit. This model is especially significant as it emerges in the Asia-Pacific region, which has a massive economy and the strongest growth vitality, providing encouragement for multilateral governance and the process of economic globalization. 

As one of the key activities of the CAEXPO, the ASEAN Plus Three (Japan-China-Republic of Korea) Industrial Chain and Supply Chain Partnering Conference will kick off on September 18 in Nanning, effectively promoting the complementary relationship between the resource industries of China, Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN, ensuring the security of supply chains, and injecting new vitality into regional economic integration.

The impressive achievements of China-ASEAN cooperation serve as the best evidence of the relationship being "the most successful and dynamic model of regional cooperation in the Asia-Pacific." With the comprehensive completion of the negotiations for the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0, this year's CAEXPO will empower a new future for China-ASEAN cooperation through AI empowerment and innovation, marking a new starting point for high-quality bilateral cooperation

by Global Times editorial