DAP man: Businesses in Sarawak still facing higher costs despite diesel subsidies for logistics sector

Kong (right), Yong (second right), Dominic (left), and other officials during the meeting at the KPDN Sarawak office in Kuching on July 1, 2024.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, July 2: Many businesses in Sarawak are still facing higher costs from their suppliers, even though targeted subsidies for diesel have been granted to the logistics sector, said Michael Kong Feng Nian.

Kong, who is special assistant to Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen, claimed that this occurred under the pretext of increased logistics costs in Peninsular Malaysia.

“This is unacceptable, especially since logistics operators continue to benefit from purchasing diesel at a subsidised rate.

“This action is akin to profiteering, at the expense of the people, and should not be tolerated,” he said in a press statement.

He also mentioned that the Federal government recently implemented a diesel subsidy rationalisation plan in Peninsular Malaysia, under which targeted diesel subsidies will be granted to the logistics sector via fleet cards, allowing logistic operators to purchase diesel at a fixed price of RM2.15 per litre under the Sistem Kawalan Diesel Bersubsidi (SKDS 2.0).

Kong added that he and Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong paid a courtesy call on the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Sarawak director Matthew Dominic Barin at his office here yesterday.

“We had a fruitful discussion about the measures KPDN is taking to address the increasing cost of living, including the Jualan Rahmah Madani initiative.

“We look forward to collaborating with KPDN to expand the Jualan Rahmah Madani programmes to more areas in Kuching.”

He also stated that he had provided Dominic with documents demonstrating how the prices of some goods had significantly increased since Covid-19, and he had asked for his assistance in investigating the matter.

“I appreciate the open and frank discussion we had and look forward to continuing to work closely with KPDN to bring better programmes and policies for the benefit of the people.

“Through such open channels of communication, we can mutually explore ways to further assist the people,” Kong added. — DayakDaily