Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently asserted that the government has not yet finalized a decision on the reduction of petrol subsidies for the T15 group, which is the highest 15% income in the country.
According to Anwar, the classification of this group is being studied to ensure that only those with high incomes will pay the full price of petrol, while the subsidy remains for the other 85% of the people.
In his speech at the Perak Justice Convention, Anwar criticized the statement that the T15 group, which is estimated to earn around RM12,000 a month, cannot survive without subsidies.
He explained that no specific income limit has been set yet, and the government is still assessing the true ability of this group to bear the full cost.
Anwar also criticized those who defend oil subsidies for all, including T15, stating that subsidies should only be for low-income people.
Since the 2025 budget was presented, the issue of the RON95 subsidy has attracted the attention of many, including the former Finance Minister, Lim Guan Eng, who proposed an income limit of RM15,000 for the RON95 subsidy.'
According to him, the limit is more appropriate and fair to determine subsidy eligibility for the T15 group.
Meanwhile, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli announced the implementation of a two-tier price system for RON95 petrol which will start in mid-2025.
This move is expected to save RM8 billion a year which can be channeled back to the education and health sectors.
With this move, the government hopes to strengthen the social welfare system, ensure that aid and subsidies are given to those who really need it, as well as reduce the economic gap in society.
