KUALA LUMPUR, April 8 -- As fuel prices in Malaysia continue to rise, the nation faces a pressing challenge.

Subsidies are eating away at government coffers, with the financial strain growing heavier each day.

With the retail price for RON95 at RM3.87 per litre, Malaysians are still paying RM1.99 at the pump - meaning the government subsidises around RM1.88 for every litre purchased. 

According to available data, Malaysians consume roughly between five and six litres of fuel daily on average.

With an estimated 10 million vehicles on the road each day, national fuel consumption is believed to be in the region of 50 to 60 million litres daily. 

Based on those estimates, RON95 subsidies alone amount to a stagger...