KUALA LUMPUR – Several political leaders have welcomed the government’s decision to maintain the Budi95 fuel subsidy at RM1.99 while cancelling large-scale Hari Raya open house celebrations, describing the move as both timely and responsible.
Seputeh MP Teresa Kok emphasised the importance of sustaining the fuel subsidy, particularly as Malaysians prepare to return to their hometowns for Hari Raya.
“This is a right move. Raya is coming, many need to travel back to home town, so maintaining Budi95 price is a good decision,” she told Scoop.
She also supported the cancellation of the official Raya open house in Putrajaya, noting that such events could cost over a million ringgit.
“Raya open house in Putrajaya will spend more than a million ringgit and it doesn’t favour general public that much. It is good to set example to cancel it,” Kok said.
Kok added that providing subsidies on food-related items could further ease the burden on the public by keeping prices more affordable. She also cautioned that global events, such as the recent conflict in Iran, could affect Malaysia’s economy.
“The war of Iran just started. We don’t know what will be the impact to our economy. We should just observe and give government more time to decide how to take the next step,” she said.
Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid said the Prime Minister’s announcement demonstrated a balance between supporting the public and managing public funds responsibly.
“I see the Prime Minister’s announcement from two simple perspectives — supporting the rakyat while being responsible with public funds,” she said.
She noted that keeping the Budi95 subsidy at RM1.99 would provide some relief to Malaysians grappling with rising living costs.
“Fuel prices affect almost everything in our daily lives, from transport to the price of food, so any effort to keep them stable is something many families will appreciate,” Syerleena said.
She also praised the decision to cancel official Hari Raya open houses, describing it as a prudent use of public resources.
“Aidilfitri is ultimately about togetherness, gratitude, and strengthening relationships, not the scale of the celebration. In Islam, moderation and being responsible with public resources are values we should always remember,” she added.
Similarly, PKR’s Setiawangsa division chief Datuk Afdlin Shauki said the decision reflected the government’s awareness of the challenges faced by ordinary Malaysians.
“I believe the Prime Minister’s decision reflects a government that is attentive to the realities faced by the rakyat,” he said.
He highlighted that the Budi95 subsidy continues to ease household expenses, while cancelling large-scale open houses demonstrates fiscal responsibility.
“At the same time, the decision to cancel large Raya open house celebrations shows a level of fiscal responsibility and sensitivity. It sends a message that the government is prepared to prioritise resources where they matter most,” Afdlin said.
He added that effective leadership during challenging times requires careful, responsible decisions rather than symbolic gestures.
“In my view, leadership today is not only about celebration but also about making responsible choices. If adjustments like this help the government channel more resources toward the wellbeing of the rakyat, then it is a decision that deserves understanding and support,” he said. – March 13, 2026