Gov't To Monitor BUDI Diesel Based On Data, Feedback - Amir Hamzah
KOTA KINABALU, July 5 (Bernama) -- The Federal Government will continuously assess the implementation of the BUDI Diesel initiative based on data collected on the ground, including usage patterns and feedback from stakeholders, said Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.
Responding to a question on whether there is a review period to reassess the quota structure after five days of rollout on July 1, he said the approach remains flexible and data-driven, with adjustments made based on actual usage patterns.
“We will always look at what the data tells us. For example, under BUDI95, the original quota was 300 litres, but it was later revised to 200 litres based on usage patterns.
“The adjustment was not made to cut quotas, but based on actual data. It showed that more than 94 to 95 per cent of users were below 300 litres, while those consistently using more than 200 litres accounted for less than one per cent.
“The government always refines policies based on data,” he told a press conference here today.
Amir Hamzah said the BUDI Diesel programme has only been implemented for about five days in Sabah and Sarawak, with initial focus on ensuring system stability and access for eligible users.
He said all petrol stations have been operating the system without disruption so far, and users have been able to make purchases as usual.
He added that the government will continue to monitor implementation data while also considering feedback on specific ground realities, with ministries and agencies working together to ensure proper assessment and targeted intervention.
Amir Hamzah said any overall reassessment of the quota structure would take time as monitoring of rollout data continues.
However, he said individual issues such as vehicle ownership concerns raised through feedback are already being reviewed, with government teams deployed on the ground to engage stakeholders.
He said the mechanism must remain flexible, noting that while MyKad is used for individual users, alternative arrangements such as fleet cards could be considered for service providers, including those in rural areas, to ensure subsidies are targeted appropriately.
On the BUDI Diesel enquiry counter initiative at petrol stations, he said it is important to improve public understanding through collaboration with oil companies and station operators, including providing assistance on eligibility checks via QR codes and online applications.
-- BERNAMA