KUALA LUMPUR, April 9 -- Malaysia's targeted fuel subsidy reform under BUDI Madani RON95 (BUDI95) is a step in the right direction amid the West Asia crisis as the government seeks to better manage fiscal pressures while ensuring subsidies are distributed more efficiently.

World Bank lead economist for Malaysia Apurva Sanghi said adjusting fuel quota limits represents a more targeted approach, helping ensure subsidies are more fairly allocated across different income groups.

"Fuel subsidies in Malaysia are regressive, with the T10, T20 benefitting much more compared to others. And if you look at who consumes most of the fuel, it is the T10, T20 segment. In fact, they have been known to consume more than 200 litres. 

"So now that t...