Malaysia's transition into the new BUDI MADANI Diesel, or BUDI Diesel, subsidy system is now underway, and JPJ is extending its counter operating hours to make the adjustment a little easier for vehicle owners. For many Malaysians, especially those using diesel-powered pickup trucks, SUVs and work vehicles, the change is not just about fuel prices. It is also about making sure vehicle ownership records, eligibility details and family-use arrangements are properly updated. That is why JPJ will operate selected counters during weekends throughout much of July.
Weekend JPJ Counter Service Runs Until 26 July
JPJ counters at state headquarters, branches and selected UTC locations will be open on weekends from 4 July until 26 July 2026, operating from 8.00am to 5.00pm for BUDI Diesel-related matters.
In Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah, the additional operating days fall on Friday and Saturday. In other states, counters will operate on Saturday and Sunday. The extended hours are intended to help people who may not be able to visit JPJ during the normal working week.
While the announcement is closely tied to BUDI Diesel applications, it is especially relevant for motorists who need to update ownership-related information or arrange matters connected to the programme's eligibility requirements.
What BUDI Diesel Means for Eligible Vehicle Owners
BUDI Diesel officially began on 1 July 2026, allowing eligible private diesel vehicle owners to buy subsidised diesel at RM2.10 per litre through MyKad verification at participating petrol stations.
The programme represents a broader shift toward targeted fuel subsidies, where eligibility is tied to the individual and vehicle information in the system rather than a blanket fuel price for every user. The Ministry of Finance estimates that the rollout could benefit around 400,000 private diesel vehicle owners in Peninsular Malaysia and another 300,000 owners in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan.
For eligible users, the standard monthly subsidy allocation is up to 200 litres, shared between BUDI Diesel and BUDI95 fuel eligibility. In practical terms, this means diesel usage and subsidised RON95 usage draw from the same monthly allocation, so motorists should keep an eye on their remaining balance through the official BUDI MADANI portal.
Extra 100 Litres for Eligible Pickup Trucks and Jeeps
Owners of qualifying diesel-powered pickup trucks and jeeps may apply for an additional 100 litres per month through the BUDI MADANI portal.
That can bring the total potential allocation to 300 litres per month, subject to the programme's eligibility terms. This additional allocation is particularly relevant for people who rely on these vehicles for work, rural travel, small-business operations or daily transport needs where fuel consumption can be noticeably higher.
The government has also expanded BUDI Diesel coverage to include certain company-owned private pickup trucks and jeeps, recognising that many small traders and business users depend on these vehicles as part of their regular work.
A More Flexible Option for Families Sharing a Vehicle
One of the more practical features introduced under BUDI Diesel is the ability to transfer subsidy eligibility to an immediate family member who is the actual user of the vehicle.
This is useful in situations where a diesel vehicle is registered under one family member's name but is regularly driven by someone else. For example, a pickup truck may be registered under a parent but used daily by a child, spouse or sibling for work or commuting.
The transfer can only be made to one immediate family member: a spouse, parent, child or sibling. Once approved, the recipient uses their own MyKad to purchase subsidised diesel based on the original owner's eligibility.
However, this is not something to submit casually. The transfer is a one-time arrangement to one recipient, so applicants should make sure the intended recipient is genuinely the person who will be using the vehicle in the long term.
For the first phase, applications to transfer BUDI Diesel eligibility must be submitted by 12 July 2026.
Vehicle Ownership Transfers Are Also Being Encouraged
The government has also introduced a temporary exemption for diesel vehicle ownership-transfer fees for three months beginning 1 July 2026.
These fees can normally reach up to RM100, and the exemption is meant to encourage owners and actual users to make sure vehicle registration data reflects the real situation. This matters because BUDI Diesel eligibility relies partly on vehicle ownership records and active road-tax information.
For some families, updating the registered ownership may be the cleaner long-term solution. For others, the subsidy-transfer option may be more suitable. The right choice depends on who genuinely owns, uses and maintains the vehicle.
Final Thoughts
The weekend counter opening is a sensible move because the BUDI Diesel rollout involves more than simply presenting a MyKad at the petrol station. Some motorists may need to clarify eligibility, apply for extra quota, transfer benefits within the family or update ownership records.
Anyone affected should avoid waiting until the final weekend. Checking the BUDI MADANI portal early, gathering the required documents and visiting JPJ during the extended operating period could help prevent a last-minute rush—particularly for those planning to use the family-transfer arrangement before the 12 July deadline.
Comments