Malaysians are poking fun at the government for auctioning off a vehicle license plate number that resembles the Malay word for pig, amid growing frustration over petrol subsidy cuts. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration faces criticism for slashing subsidies in his 2025 budget to tackle the country’s hefty subsidy bill, estimated at 61 billion ringgit (US$14.5 billion) this year.
The government launched a public auction for the Madani series of license plates, with proceeds going towards initiatives like a motorcycle helmet replacement program. However, Malaysians have focused on one particular plate, Madani 8481, which many say resembles the word “babi” or pig in Malay.
Bids for Madani 8481 reached 12,000 ringgit, sparking a frenzy on social media. Despite the outcry, some are urging respect for the Prime Minister, joking that he should use the controversial plate himself. The irony of the situation has not been lost on Malaysians, leading to a flood of comments and posts online.