MALAYSIA yesterday said it was considering using its chip-based national identity card to prevent visitors from Singapore and Thailand buying cheap subsidised fuel meant for locals.
Its latest plan comes as the government begins radically reviewing its fuel subsidies, expected to cost RM43 billion (S$18 billion) this year if oil prices hover around US$120 (S$163) per barrel.
Malaysia heavily subsidises petrol, diesel and gas as well as 21 food items but rising global prices and controls have triggered severe shortages, as well as smuggling across its porous borders and long coastline.
"The technical features are there on the MyKad (Malaysian identification card) and can be integrated with fuel pumps so they can be used to identify the person," domestic trade and consumer affairs minister Shahrir Samad said.
"We are looking to see if we can use it on the fuel pumps so that only Malaysian citizens get the subsidy," he added.
"We should not be subsidising fuel and goods for foreigners like Singaporeans and Thais. Those without MyKads can continue to buy the fuel at the pumps but at unsubsidised prices."
Singaporeans often make day trips across the causeway to fill their petrol tanks and buy groceries, which are cheaper here.
Mr Shahrir said the government was also developing a subsidy management system that would ensure cheap fuel went to the poor to prevent wastage of the subsidy.
"If we can save money on fuel subsidies, we can use this to fund anti-inflationary projects to keep prices and costs low for Malaysians," he said.
On Friday, the government said it would spend RM2.49 billion this year to increase food production amid soaring costs for staples.
Malaysia produces about 1.6 million tonnes of rice, which roughly meets 70 per cent of domestic consumption. The balance is usually imported from Thailand and Vietnam.
Global food prices have nearly doubled in three years, sparking riots in Egypt and Haiti, protests in other countries.
Rising use of biofuels, trade restrictions, increased demand from Asia to serve changing diets, poor harvests and increasing transport costs have all been blamed for the price rise.
