Government to Protect 85% of Malaysian Population with Targeted Subsidies for RON95 Petrol
Prime Minister’s Defense of Targeted Subsidies
KUALA LUMPUR: The government will continue to protect the interests of 85% of the Malaysian population amid the implementation of targeted subsidies for RON95 petrol, which is slated to take effect in mid-next year, the Dewan Rakyat was told today. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that this is the primary reason why only the T15 group and foreign nationals will have to pay the non-subsidised market price for the fuel, a measure he considers reasonable.
Definition of T15 Group
Anwar explained that the 85% figure is the main point in determining the targeted subsidies. He stressed that the government should not burden the majority of the population, and therefore, it is reasonable to impose market rates on the super-rich and top-tier individuals, including the T15 group.
Income Threshold Review for T15 Group
Anwar also informed the Dewan Rakyat that the income threshold for the T15 group is currently under review. He cited the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) as setting the current income threshold at RM13,000, which is considered low. The government is considering raising it to RM15,000 or RM20,000, and this is being discussed in Cabinet meetings.
Government’s Stance on Allegations
In response to allegations made by Datuk Nik Muhammad Zawawi (PN-Pasir Puteh) on the government’s definition of T15, Anwar denied any confusion or dispute. He emphasized the need for parties to be careful in expressing their views and to base them on facts.
Example of Unfounded Claims
Anwar cited an example from Nik Muhammad Zawawi, who raised governance issues after alleging that Bukit Gantang Member of Parliament (MP) Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul applied for a tender to supply food to the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) through a company, which allegedly conflicted with D’Saji’s application. Anwar criticized Nik Muhammad Zawawi for making baseless claims without facts, suggesting that he had obtained this information from untrustworthy sources such as social media.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the government’s targeted subsidies for RON95 petrol aim to protect the majority of the Malaysian population while imposing market prices on the super-rich and top-tier individuals, including the T15 group. The income threshold for the T15 group is under review, and the government is considering raising it to RM15,000 or RM20,000. Anwar urges all parties to be cautious in expressing their views and to base them on facts, as unfounded claims can have negative consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the income threshold for the T15 group?
A: The income threshold is currently under review, and the government is considering raising it to RM15,000 or RM20,000.
Q: What is the primary reason for the T15 group having to pay non-subsidised market price for RON95 petrol?
A: The main point is that the government should not burden the 85% of the population, so it is reasonable to impose market rates on the super-rich and top-tier individuals, including the T15 group.
Q: What is the government’s stance on allegations of confusion regarding the definition of T15?
A: The government denies any confusion or dispute on the definition of T15, and emphasizes the need for parties to be careful in expressing their views and to base them on facts.