BUDI95 ADJUSTMENT, A NECESSARY MEASURE TO ENSURE NATION REMAINS RESILIENT - SAIFUDDIN SHAFI

SHAH ALAM, March 27 (Bernama) -- The temporary adjustment of Budi MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) Programme announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday was described as a necessary step to ensure the country remains resilient following the uncertainty of the situation in the Middle East which has impacted the global market.

Selangor PKR information chief Saifuddin Shafi Muhammad said the move, which was welcomed, was aimed at avoiding a greater spillover effect which would disrupt the country's economic growth momentum.

“The government’s action to maintain the BUDI95 subsidy at RM1.99 sen per litre is a commitment to ensure that the people are not badly affected by the economic impact even though at the same time they have to adjust to the consumption level of 200 litres per month starting April 1.

“This is to ensure that the oil supply is sufficient for use in the longer term depending on the resolution of the international conflict between the United States, and Israel with Iran,” he said in a statement today.

Saifuddin Shafi in the same statement also expressed appreciation for the efforts to tighten surveillance of fuel smuggling activities at the country’s borders as well as proactive measures in controlling subsidy abuse at local petrol stations.

He said all parties must work together whether at the administrative or community level in ensuring that it is not misused by ‘subsidy crooks’ who are willing to do anything for profit.

“The Selangor State Keadilan Statement also welcomes the proposal for the concept of working from home to be activated in stages so that the quality of public services is not affected.

"This is to ensure that all matters run smoothly and that it is understood that the health, education and security sectors are not involved in this proposal. We also recommend that the private sector also provide support to this government initiative," he said.

Meanwhile, Saifuddin Shafi also called on the people in Selangor to always be prepared and vigilant with the impact that will occur throughout the situation, in addition to local leaders, especially political appointees, who must continue to streamline the explanation of government efforts to the people.

He said that with the leadership of Anwar at the federal level and the Menteri Besar of Selangor Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari at the state level, they will ensure that decisive efforts are made to ensure that policies are implemented that prioritise the welfare of the people.

Yesterday, Anwar in a special message hoped that the people would understand the temporary adjustment of BUDI95 eligibility from 300 litres to 200 litres per month, starting April 1.

He said the decision was made carefully and prudently, taking into account the global economic pressure facing the country following the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, explained that the coordination measures were temporary until the market, oil supply and the world economy returned to stability, but admitted that so far there were no signs of recovery.

-- BERNAMA