AS HARI Raya Aidilfitri gets closer, many are starting to think about their "balik kampung" plans.
Among the more major concerns of those planning to join the exodus are fuel costs, as some would have to make trips hundreds of kilometres long through bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Recently, a "warning" has gone viral online suggesting that fuel subsidies would be removed after the closing date for Central Database Hub (Padu) registration.
This would mean that those going back to their hometowns would face a surge in the price of petrol and diesel.
Is this true?
VERDICT:
FALSE
Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli has denied rumours that the price of RON95 petrol and diesel would be increased before Hari Raya after the implementation of targeted subsidies.
"It is not true. I think we have been honest with the people, that we want to put all assistance and support systems in place first before any decision on the petrol subsidy is made," Rafizi told Sinar Harian on March 23.
"It is impossible that there will be any decision on the petrol and diesel subsidy (given that it is too close to the closing date to register for Padu, which is March 31).
"It's because we need the data to be cleared, we need to inform the public who can get it and so on," he said.
According to Rafizi, the government had announced previously that the implementation of targeted subsidies would take place in the second quarter and beyond.
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