Malaysians with Singapore driving licences can apply to be considered for Budi95 subsidised fuel
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The initiative is aimed at allowing Malaysians who commute daily between Johor Bahru and Singapore to take part in the Budi95 fuel subsidy scheme.
ST PHOTO: MUZLIZA MUSTAFA
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KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysians who hold Singapore driving licences will be able to apply for Malaysian licences again beginning on Oct 16, said Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
He said the move is to facilitate the Finance Ministry’s evaluation and consideration process under the Budi95 targeted fuel subsidy scheme for eligible Malaysians working in Singapore.
“To assist the Finance Ministry in assessing applications from this group, the Transport Ministry, through the Road Transport Department (JPJ), has set up a dedicated portal for registrations.
“All applications received will be submitted to the Finance Ministry for review and further eligibility assessment,” he said during a press conference in Parliament on Oct 15.
Mr Loke said applications will be considered based on three criteria – the applicant must be a Malaysian citizen, the Singapore driving licence must be valid, and the applicant’s work permit status in Singapore will be taken into account.
He said Malaysian citizens who no longer work in Singapore or are no longer bound by Singapore’s domestic regulations to hold a Singapore licence can reapply for a Malaysian driving licence once they cancel their Singapore licence through the existing procedures there.
Applications for reinstatement of Malaysian licences can be made at any JPJ office once confirmation is received that there are no restrictions, suspensions or convictions imposed by Singapore authorities on the licence, Mr Loke added.
The dedicated portal for Budi95 subsidy registration is accessible from Oct 16 at www.Budi95lesenSG.jpj.gov.my. Applicants can check their eligibility status at www.Budi95.gov.my within 14 days after submission.
Mr Loke said final approval for each application rests with the Finance Ministry, which will evaluate all cases based on conditions set under the Budi95 subsidy programme.
He also emphasised that the Budi95 subsidy, which allows Malaysians to purchase RON95 at RM2.05 (S$0.63) a litre, remains strictly for vehicles registered in Malaysia.
“Even if a Malaysian has a Singapore licence, the vehicle must be registered in our country with a Malaysian number plate. Those driving foreign-registered vehicles, including Singapore-plated ones, are not eligible to use RON95 fuel,” he said.
The initiative, Mr Loke added, is primarily aimed at Malaysians who commute daily between Johor Bahru and Singapore.
“We know that around 200,000 Malaysians travel daily for work, especially in the service sector, but live and return to Johor Bahru each night.
“Many of them still own vehicles registered in Malaysia. Hence, it is fair that they are given the opportunity to apply,” he said.
Mr Loke said the ministry does not yet have data on how many Malaysians hold Singapore driving licences.
“That is why we are opening the registration – to collect data from new applications. The information gathered will be submitted weekly to the Finance Ministry.
“Within two or three weeks, we expect to have an estimate of how many Malaysians fall under this group. Hopefully, before October ends,” he said. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
