KUCHING: The public here gave a mixed response to the use of MyKad to buy petrol effective May 1.This announcement by the government was to ensure that only Malaysians get to buy subsidised petrol while non-citizens have to pay more.
However, not all citizens will get to enjoy the subsidised petrol as the subsidy will be based on the engine capacity of a vehicle, said Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
“Under the citizens’ category are sub categories where only the targeted group will get the subsidy,” he said when announcing the decision on Thursday.
The detailed mechanics of the system will be announced on May 1.
Eugene Ong, 25, said he supports the government’s decision for customers to buy petrol using MyKad.
The car sales advisor said this would enable the government to assist the targeted group directly.
“I don’t think using MyKad to buy petrol is a burden to us as we usually carry our identity card wherever we go,” Ong said.
On owners of cars with high engine capacity paying more for their petrol, Ong replied: “It is good and fair so that people with low income can enjoy the subsidy.”
He suggested that the government maintain the current petrol prices, seeing that the people are already dealing with price hikes in many other things.
“I hope the government will not increase the price of petrol in May but maintain the current price,” he said.
Jindiak Emos thought using MyKad to buy petrol could be troublesome for petrol attendants.
The 43-year-old staff of a petrol station at Jalan Tun Razak here added: “It might not be fair to some foreigners working here, especially those who are low income earners.”
She said the government should be thinking about how to give the subsidy to the people directly.
Jindiak’s colleague, Juina Amin, 40, agreed that the government should come out with a better way to benefit the targeted group like introducing petrol coupons for low income earners.
“I think something like coupons will be more realistic to benefit low income earners directly,” she said.
On the number of foreigner customers patronising the petrol station, Juina said: “There are some, mostly Africans. I think they are students.”
Florence Asong disagreed that high engine capacity car owners should pay more.
The mother of four said the government should be fair in giving assistance to citizens.
“Furthermore, if it gives too many subsidies to a certain group of people, they would become too dependent,” said the 25-year-old.
On the use of MyKad to buy petrol, she said it might be inconvenient but is a good attempt to resolve the issue.