Broken MyKad Chip Could Stop You From Getting Subsidised RON95 Petrol, Saifuddin Reminds

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Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has urged Malaysians to immediately check and replace faulty MyKad chips ahead of the government's rollout of targeted RON95 subsidies at the end of this month

The scheme requires MyKad verification at petrol stations, so a damaged or unreadable chip could prevent drivers from accessing the subsidised RM1.99-per-litre fuel.

"If your MyKad chip is broken or cannot be read, don't worry — you can go straight to any National Registration Department (JPN) office or counter nationwide.

"It'll be ready the same day. Don't wait until the last minute, check early so you can enjoy this subsidy meant for Malaysians," Saifuddin wrote in a Facebook post today, 19 September.

He added that the initiative reflects Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's commitment to keeping his promise to ease the people's burden.

Earlier, a video circulating on Facebook explained how the subsidy mechanism works

According to the video, petrol station staff first check eligibility via a terminal linked to PADU before inserting the customer's MyKad.

After a quick verification, the system displays a blue tag for eligible users or a red tag if the customer quota is full or they are ineligible.

Once eligibility is confirmed, the customer specifies the amount of RON95 needed, makes payment, and can then proceed to pump.

However, the video raises questions:

• The validation step appears to require customers to visit the counter every time, as it's unclear if the check can be done directly at the pump.
• It's also unclear how oil company apps like Setel will integrate with the system. In theory, such apps could verify MyKad details digitally via e-KYC and track quota usage.

The government has not clarified whether these digital options will be available when the subsidy goes live.