The government is mulling ways to replace the fuel rebate scheme for motorists following public complaints, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Shahrir Abdul Samad said today.

"From the negative views, I get the impression that the fuel rebate system is not favoured by the people," he said during a press conference in Putrajaya, reported Bernama .

petrol price hike panic 010705 shell station The fuel rebate system was introduced after the government raised petrol prices by a whopping 40 percent in early June from RM1.92 in view of soaring crude oil prices.

Under the scheme, owners of cars below 2,000cc and motorcycles below 250cc can claim a cash rebate of RM625 and RM150 respectively from post offices nationwide after settling their road tax.

"Although it was introduced by the government to lighten the financial burden of owners of vehicles below 2,000cc, it seems that Malaysians don't really care.

"Not many like the rebate system and feel that it should not have been implemented," the minister said.

Yesterday, the government lowered petrol prices to RM2.15 in the fourth consecutive price cut since June. Diesel prices are now at RM2.05 from a high of RM2.58 in June.