The day's essential Malaysian news, briefed.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has pledged to investigate allegations that petrol station operators incurred substantial losses during the transition to Malaysia's targeted fuel subsidy system, with discussions to be held with oil companies.
Malaysia's 2026 fiscal deficit is projected at 3.6% of GDP, only marginally above the government's 3.5% target, despite an additional RM25 billion fuel subsidy allocation to maintain RON95 petrol at RM1.99 per litre.
Malaysia's Finance Ministry is willing to review and adjust the BUDI Diesel subsidy programme if gaps emerge, with decisions guided by real usage patterns rather than initial assumptions.
Miri police uncovered a clandestine subsidised diesel operation in Tanjung Lobang, recovering 15,000 litres of fuel and detaining four suspects. The bust highlights growing concerns over fuel subsidy diversion in East Malaysia.