Fahmi: Budi Madani to complement Padu

The Budi Madani subsidy assistance programme registration aims to bridge potential gaps within the Central Database Hub (Padu), according to Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil. 

The minister explained that Budi Madani serves as an alternative initiative for individuals who might have missed the March 31 deadline to register on Padu.

“Budi Madani is for those who might have not completed their registration on Padu with the necessary information,” Fahmi briefly stated during a press conference at his ministry’s complex today.

However, Fahmi later explained that Budi Madani applications needed to be filled out even if they are registered in Padu.

He added that while the matter was not specifically discussed during today’s cabinet meeting, the Finance Ministry is expected to hold a session with news editors soon to explain details regarding the Budi Madani initiative.

Launched recently, Budi Madani allows individuals, small-scale farmers, and smallholder farmers from the B40 and M40 income groups in Peninsular Malaysia to apply for a monthly cash assistance of RM200.

This initiative coincides with the implementation of targeted diesel subsidies, aimed at providing relief to lower and middle-income groups affected by the removal of blanket subsidies.

Double registration?

Yesterday, PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden questioned the need to sign up for Budi Madani for subsidies.

This is because Malaysians have already been told to register themselves on the Central Database Hub (Padu) earlier for subsidies, the Alor Setar MP pointed out.

Yesterday, the Finance Ministry detailed its targeted diesel subsidy plan, with eligible recipients set to receive RM200 monthly. Private diesel vehicle owners can apply for assistance under the Individual Budi category, while smallholders will be able to seek aid through Agro-Commodity Budi.

Separately, the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry stated that qualifying smallholders must first register through the GeoAgro System before they can apply for the diesel subsidy on the dedicated Budi website.

The dual statements outlined the registration process for the government’s targeted subsidy approach aimed at mitigating rising fuel costs for individual vehicle owners and smallholder agricultural producers after diesel prices are floated to market level.

The Finance Ministry also announced that smallholders must be registered with the relevant agencies under the relevant ministries to qualify for the diesel subsidy.

On May 21, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the finance minister, announced that the government plans to end the blanket subsidy for fuel that benefits both the ultra-rich and foreigners.

No contracts awarded to Asia Mobiliti

Meanwhile, Fahmi said that the cabinet meeting addressed the Asia Mobiliti situation, revealing the company had successfully executed a proof of concept trial in Selangor. 

He reminded ministers that while Asia Mobiliti holds a licence issued by Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), no formal contracts have been granted to the firm as of yet.

Consistent with the prime minister’s remarks to the media previously, Fahmi said relevant authorities would carry out the necessary investigations should any complaints be lodged against the company.

“He informed and reminded his cabinet that the licence held by the company was issued by APAD and no contracts have been awarded yet.

“Similar to what the PM stated when questioned by the media yesterday, if any reports are made to the authorities, they can conduct an investigation. 

“But as we all know, those are the facts,” Fahmi said.

Anwar’s remarks yesterday came after MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said there was no issue with the project being awarded to the firm that has Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh’s husband - Ramachandran Muniandy - as its CEO.

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