CYBERJAYA, MALAYSIA, Oct 3, 2025 – The Malaysian government has approved the inclusion of passenger boat companies in the list of public transport sectors eligible for RON95 subsidized petrol, targeting operators in remote island and riverine areas where boats serve as the primary mode of transport.
Announced by Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan bin Mohd Ali, the initiative aims to alleviate operational costs for these essential services nationwide. Eligibility under the Subsidized Petrol Control System (SKPS) is limited to registered public passenger boat companies operating scheduled services in populated regions, such as the Kudat-Pulau Banggi route.
To qualify, companies must be registered with one of the following agencies:
– Marine Department of Malaysia (JLM);
– Sabah Ports and Harbours Department (JPDS); or
– Sarawak Rivers Board (LSS).
Operators are urged to immediately verify their registration status with the relevant agencies, as unregistered firms must apply promptly to access the benefits.
As an interim measure, the government will provide cash refunds for RON95 petrol purchases made between September 30 and October 31, 2025. Registration for these claims opens on October 9, 2025, via the online portal at https://mysubsidi.kpdn.gov.my/.
Applicants are required to upload the following:
– Certified copy of business registration certificate;
– Certified copy of bank statement;
– Number of passenger boats under the company;
– Registration numbers of the boats; and
– Engine capacities of the boats.
Valid petrol purchase receipts must also be submitted for verification. Once reviewed by the relevant water transport regulatory agencies and SKPS administrators, refunds will be credited to the company’s bank account within 15 working days by the Ministry of Finance.
“This step ensures that passenger boat services, vital for connectivity in underserved areas, remain sustainable amid rising fuel costs,” Minister Armizan stated in the official media release.
The announcement underscores the government’s ongoing efforts to support public transport operators through targeted subsidies, building on broader cost-of-living relief initiatives.