The recently announced fuel subsidy policy in Malaysia has sparked an online war of words between Malaysians and Singaporeans, with fiery comments and national pride clashing on social media. The cause? Singaporeans can no longer enjoy Malaysia’s newly subsidised RM1.99 RON95 petrol — approximately S$0.60 per litre — as the fuel is strictly reserved for Malaysian citizens only.
The viral reaction unfolded after a Singaporean lamented on WeirdKaya’s Facebook post, accusing Malaysians of being “too greedy to share even petrol,” despite “Singaporeans giving Malaysians jobs.” What followed was a wave of sharp-tongued retorts from across the Causeway, branding the comment as a prime example of “sour grapes”.
“Your Currency 3x Stronger, Still Want Our Subsidy?”
Among the most popular clapbacks, one Malaysian netizen wrote: “Your currency is three times stronger and you still want our subsidies? Kiamsiap much?” Others pointed out how Singaporeans already enjoy various perks when they enter Malaysia, including cheaper food, shopping, and services — and now want a slice of the local petrol pie too?
One user sarcastically commented, “Can lah, we let you pump RM1.99, but you also let us exchange currency 1 to 1 — fair right?” Another joked, “You already get the cheapest water from Johor, now want petrol also? Wah, too much lah.”
Some netizens used food analogies to explain the situation: “When visiting someone’s house, and the dad gives pocket money to his kids, do you — the richer cousin — also expect to get ang bao?”
Online Clash Exposes Deep-Rooted Sentiments
While some comments were clearly tongue-in-cheek, others revealed genuine frustration and stereotypes that have long festered between the two neighbours. Malaysians took issue with what they perceived as entitlement, arguing that fuel subsidies are funded by local taxpayers and not meant for foreigners — especially not for those earning Singaporean wages.
“Don’t be stingy ah. You earn Sing Dollar but want to pump our cheap petrol? Use RON97 lah, still cheaper than your V-Power in S’pore!” one person said. Another added, “Just be grateful. RON95 is for us, RON97 still a discount for you!”
Many Malaysians pointed out that this is not a new rule — foreign-registered vehicles have been barred from RON95 since it was RM2.05. The price drop simply reignites attention. “You save 71 sen per litre when you pump RON95 at RM2.50. We only save 6 sen. Who more shiok now?”
Petrol, Water, Durians – All Part of a Bigger Picture
Some Singaporeans cheekily fired back with their own zingers, with one saying, “You can have your petrol, we still got durians.” But that didn’t stop Malaysians from doubling down — some suggested that Singapore cars should be banned unless they come in with less than ¼ tank. Others teased, “Want petrol, water, food – next time take land also ah?”
One Malaysian went as far as saying: “If you want the same benefits, maybe Singapore can become Malaysia’s 15th state?”
The online spat reflects how economic disparity and daily cross-border interactions often lead to frictions, especially when it comes to subsidies, currency exchange, and national pride.
For now, Singaporeans will have to make do with RON97 at RM3.21 per litre (around S$0.96) — still cheaper than the premium fuel options in Singapore. But one thing’s for sure: whether it’s about fuel, water, or food, the sibling rivalry between both countries is far from running out of gas.