KUALA LUMPUR – The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has directed the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to investigate allegations that former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin defended the rights of foreigners regarding the RON95 fuel subsidy.
The PMO said the instruction was issued in accordance with the government’s commitment to upholding transparency and accountability.
“The prime minister has directed MCMC to look into the matter and take appropriate action,” the PMO said in a brief statement.
It added that the investigation was necessary to maintain the integrity of information disseminated to the public on such sensitive issues.
Muhyiddin had earlier denied the allegations, which had been circulating online, claiming that he was involved in efforts to protect foreigners’ rights concerning the subsidy programme.
The former prime minister clarified in a statement that he had never made such comments, particularly regarding the targeted RON95 subsidy.
The statement from the PMO followed reports from Sinar Harian, which quoted Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as saying that Muhyiddin, who is also the president of Bersatu, had questioned the government’s decision to impose a fuel subsidy burden on foreigners, despite their contributions to the country.
Anwar explained that the government’s decision to implement targeted subsidies for electricity and RON95 petrol was designed to ensure that aid reached Malaysian citizens while also reducing the nation’s fiscal deficit.
Muhyiddin, however, refuted these claims, labelling them as slander, and challenged Anwar to provide evidence of any such statement.
He reiterated his stance that government subsidies were only intended for Malaysian citizens, not foreigners.
In response to the PMO’s directive, MCMC issued a statement acknowledging the Prime Minister’s Office’s request for an investigation. “MCMC will take immediate and appropriate action in accordance with the existing legal provisions,” it said.
MCMC also reminded the public not to misuse social media platforms to spread unverified content.
– August 6, 2025