Transport minister Anthony Loke has said in his speech at the transport ministry’s monthly assembly that the ministry expects more Malaysians to shift to public transport and EVs amidst the ongoing global fuel crisis, despite the government intending to keep (at least for now) the price of subsidised RON 95 petrol (Budi95) at RM1.99 a litre.
Being the populist weapon that it is (particularly in Malaysia), fuel is always a touchy and tricky subject. The first (and very valid) question is, “why would I shift to public transport and/or EVs when petrol is still RM1.99 a litre?” But RM4 billion a month on subsidies is not by any means a small amount, and the government has cut the monthly Budi95 limit from 300 to 200 litres and announced work-from-home. These are strong enough indications that the government would like us to use less fuel.
There may be a ceasefire and global crude oil prices may have dipped, but the war is not completely over and things could change – the more altruistic, pragmatic and bigger-picture-thinking among us would wonder how much longer the government can tahan spending RM4 billion a month, and would do their bit to ensure our fellow countrymen and countrywomen can continue enjoying RM1.99 petrol (or at least less than the current unsubsidised RM4.27) for as long as possible. Like Tesco says, every little helps.
Our ASEAN neighbours are already taking fuel-saving measures. Of course, how you tighten your belts depends on individual circumstances and may not necessarily mean shifting to public transport and/or EVs. Loke also encouraged e-hailing firms to expand their car-pooling options, Bernama reports.
“This is something that can be implemented immediately, as there has already been a proof of concept carried out with several e-hailing companies,” he said, adding that car-pooling would allow passengers to share rides more efficiently at more affordable fares, while maintaining a balance between industry needs and consumer welfare. A 2019 study found Malaysians among the worst in the world at car-pooling.
You have a lot on your mind, I’m sure – share your thoughts with us below. Have you been carrying out any proactive measures to reduce your fuel usage, or have you been carrying on as usual?
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Agreed, that’s why better let BYD Seagull RM56K sold here.
PS. MITI once said they did not control or manipulate car prices.
Cannot cannot that same ex guy once said APs for EVs are needed here so cars sold here are safe so understand which cronies determined your and his life for decades.
How about free public transport during these times? Since for some ppl, driving maybe cheaper & faster than LRT/bus.
Pakai EV pun tak murah lah… kereta mahal……later tariff elektrik naik..lagi mahal lor…
what is average electric charge for 100 KM if charge at home for E-MAS 5 ?
bet you never own one, rata rata owners have proven that an ev is cheaper to operate than any fuel engine vehicles
okay u guys do it 1st
Why don’t YOU adopt public transport first.
Exactly. All these ministers and parliamentarians can give up their Budi 95 access at the same time. Another 222 deserving and hardworking rakyat can add that to their Budi quota.
Subsidise grab pickup heading to LRT/MRT, maybe will consider.
This dumb fat bij. Can’t he see how dire our public transport in Klang Valley can become during peak hours?
U MYOB , Rakyat know how to survive by hook r by crook , we dnt need Ur silly suggestions
of course, if he minds his own business like u say, u will then get to blame him for not doing his job.
You minister folks can by lead by example:-
1) Car pooling to parliament.
2) No police outriders! <— Waste of tax payers' $$$.
3) Change to Alza or Saga, more FC efficient.
4) Take LRT to events, meetings, etc. Including to parliament, take grab from Pasar Seni or Masjid Jamek or Bank Negara stations. Or even cycle from those stations to Parliament.
Walk the talk! Cakap tak serupa bikin!
LRT3 status when?
Ah lok kor, I want to use EV, but your boss want to keep evs for helang only. We pipit who earn pipit salary cannot buy those 100k and soon 250k helang priced evs. BYD want to set up shop so that we can we can buy evs pipit can afford but kena screwed by your boss. In the end pipit have to only buy ICE and pipit have to pump petrol.
Tell all mentri to use public transport. I see few cars escorting 1 mentri everyday
mouth says want malaysians to buy more EV, but they ban cheap EV’s from coming into malaysia. talk one, do another??? stop protecting p1 and p2, let them close. malaysians dont care.