Long-distance commuters say the Budi95 fuel subsidy provides modest relief but fails to cover their full travel costs, urging for higher limits and broader support.

PETALING JAYA: The Budi95 initiative is providing some relief at the pumps, but for frequent long-distance commuters, it barely scratches the surface of their expenses.

IT project coordinator Syazwan Amirul, 45, is among those for whom the 300-litre monthly allocation is insufficient.

He commutes weekly between Kuala Lumpur and Penang, consuming 80 to 100 litres per round trip, roughly four times a month.

“My entire family is in Penang and I live in a rented room here. The current 300-litre subsidy is not enough. Once it’s used up, I have to pay RM2.54 per litre, which adds up to 120 to 160 litres of unsubsidised petrol every month,” he said.

Syazwan calculates that his daily commute, combined with weekly long-distance trips, leaves the existing allocation barely covering his expenses.

He urges the government to raise the subsidy limit to 500 litres per month.

Rachel Tan, 37, a healthcare assistant commuting daily from Seremban to Petaling Jaya, has seen modest relief.

She said a full tank of petrol used to cost her about RM75 before Budi95. Now, it comes to just over RM60.

“It’s cheaper, but the difference is not dramatic. I wouldn’t say I’m saving hundreds of ringgit and it hasn’t significantly eased my overall cost of living.”

She also highlighted the hidden costs of commuting, saying: “Wear and tear on my car, regular servicing, tyre changes and unexpected repairs add to the financial burden. Fuel subsidies alone cannot capture the full cost of commuting, which also includes tolls and rising living expenses.”

Tan said the subsidy eligibility criteria do not fully reflect the realities of middle-income earners commuting out of necessity.

“Many of us fall into a grey area in which we may not qualify for additional assistance but we are still struggling with rising costs.

“Long-distance commuting is not a lifestyle choice, it is a reality for those balancing work, housing affordability and family responsibilities.”

She urged the government to adopt a more nuanced approach.

“This could include targeted rebates or tax relief for those who travel beyond a certain distance for work.

“Assistance with toll costs would also make a meaningful difference. Fuel subsidies alone do not address the full burden of commuting, especially as tolls and living expenses rise while wages remain largely stagnant.”

Tan added that support could extend beyond government measures.

“Employers could be given tax incentives to provide commuting allowances or flexible work arrangements. Encouraging companies to assist staff who travel long distances would help share the burden between the government and employers, rather than leaving it entirely to individuals.”

For some commuters, the subsidy is being used strategically rather than daily.

Hashim Yusof, 37, a project manager whose family lives in Kuantan, now relies on public transport as he cannot drive alone.

“If I were to drive myself, the allocation wouldn’t be enough,” he said.

He saves the subsidy for local travel in Kuantan when he needs to take his family around.

“For now, as I work here in KL, it’s enough. But it wouldn’t cover the regular long-distance travelling for me to see my family.”

 The Sun Malaysia