Pua Mykad Use For Ron95 Subsidy Could Expose Public To Risks

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Former MP Tony Pua has cautioned against the government’s plan to use MyKad as the main method for claiming the RON95 petrol subsidy, warning of security risks linked to the card’s use in public.
Pua highlighted that relying on MyKad at petrol stations could expose individuals to the danger of misplacing their identification documents.
“While technically, MyKad can be used, I believe it could also lead to security issues, for example, if the card is misplaced, and so on.
“If you misplace your MyKad, you will be fined, and if you misplace it multiple times, the fine will be even higher. The penalty for losing MyKad three times, which is likely to happen if you are carrying/using the card regularly, is RM1,000," Pua told Malaysiakini.
He added that many will not be able to afford that and warned that other consequential impacts will also arise.
Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, on Friday (Sept 19), reminded the public to ensure that their MyKad chips were functioning ahead of the petrol subsidy programme, expected to be gradually implemented by the end of this month.
He also said that the price of RON95 petrol is expected to drop to RM1.99 per litre following the implementation of the targeted subsidy.
‘Kad 95’
As a practical solution, Pua said the government should instead implement an initiative similar to the former Pakatan Harapan administration’s “Kad 95” planned scheme for RON95 petrol subsidy claims.
“So, to me, that (security) is the main issue that needs to be addressed. That was among the reasons why a proposal was previously made to introduce a new card instead of using the MyKad,” he added.
Pua further explained that there should also be no need for the installation of new payment terminals or machines for the implementation of the programme.
Instead, he suggested using existing systems, such as the credit card terminals used at petrol stations, which would allow the government to avoid unnecessary spending on installing new machines.
ADSNo cash handouts
Pua also took a different stance from former economy minister Rafizi Ramli, who had proposed cash handouts for those eligible for the subsidy.
On Sept 6, Rafizi proposed that the government provide cash transfers for the forthcoming RON95 petrol subsidy, instead of relying on the MyKad system to verify citizenship at petrol stations, following the crash of the Rahmah Necessities Aid (Sara) disbursement system.
In early August, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced a one-off RM100 Rahmah Necessities Aid for all adult citizens to purchase household goods and groceries, redeemable via MyKad from Aug 31 to Dec 31 this year.
However, the system collapsed under heavy usage on the first day, with the government only boosting capacity the next day.
However, Pua disagreed with Rafizi.
“After graduating from economics school, I was a fervent supporter of cash transfers, instead of inefficient subsidies.
“However, after seeing the real world, cash transfers don't work politically. Cash transfers meant for the removal of subsidies at the pump are not always connected by the man on the street.
“Most will happily take the transfers, like BR1M (Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia) from Najib (Abdul Razak), but will still complain furiously about fuel price hikes.
“Hence the subsidies need to be seen and felt at the pump, at point of purchase,” Pua said.
On Sept 8, Second Finance Minister Amir Hamzah Azizan - who assumed Rafizi's portfolio after his resignation - said the government is maintaining its course to use MyKad as a means to disburse the targeted RON95 subsidy.
He told Dewan Negara that the government is working with petrol station operators to ensure the system works when the programme is rolled out by the end of the month.
He was quoted by Bernama as also affirming that Central Database Hub (Padu) data will be used to determine who is eligible for the aid. - Mkini

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