KUALA LUMPUR: The number of dependents per household and employment status will be among the key factors considered when determining the criteria for the RON95 subsidy.
Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Fuziah Salleh said other key factors include the newly introduced Basic Expenses for Decent Living (PAKW) and Cost of Living Index (IKSH), which were developed by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM).
"All factors involving expenditure have been taken into account.
However, regarding RON95, if subsidy targeting takes place in the future, it will have an impact on households that rely on RON95.
"Therefore, in the study developed by DoSM, in which the ministry was briefed, the living cost indicators have been considered. "
Fuziah added that this included taking into consideration whether a household has two cars, if both the husband and wife are working and if there are children who are schooling.
She said all these factors were included in the calculation of the living cost indicators in response to a supplementary question from Azahari Hasan (PN-Padang Rengas) in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Early this month, the DoSM released its inaugural Cost of Living Indicators (CLI) 2023 report during its Diamond Jubilee celebration.
Chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the report encompassed 15 publications, including one on the nation and 14 others on states and Federal Territories for last year.
He said the CLI covered in this publication included the PAKW and IKSH. He said PAKW was analysed based on demographic details, which included household characteristics, household size as well as the location of residence.
During the tabling of the 2025 Budget on Oct 18, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the targeted subsidy for RON 95 petrol will be implemented in the middle of next year.
He said this was based on the government's commitment to protect the wellbeing of the people and to ensure funds are channelled to where they are needed most.
In response to the initial question from Azahari, Fuziah said the government will continue with the Jualan Rahmah and Agro Madani programmes next year.
"We will hold the Jualan Rahmah programme twice a month in each state constituency," she said.
Azahari had asked about the ministry's plans to address the issue of rising prices that contribute to inflation and consequently reduce consumers' purchasing power.