Targeted petrol subsidy scheme put off indefinitely

PETALING JAYA: The targeted petrol subsidy programme (PSP), initially scheduled to roll out in the beginning of the New Year, has been shelved indefinitely.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the move was to allow more time for eligible recipients to be registered and for the public to be informed about the mechanism.

“The Cabinet meeting on Dec 18 decided that the implementation of PSP, scheduled for January 2020, be postponed to a future date to be announced later,” he said in a statement yesterday.

“This is to give space for more briefings to be conducted to explain to the public and prepare them for the programme’s implementation.

“The postponement is also to allow the registration process for qualified M40 recipients to be carried out by the Finance Ministry.”

Saifuddin said pending its implementation, the public would continue to enjoy petrol prices as at present.

RON95 and diesel prices have been capped at RM2.08 and RM2.18 respectively at present.