Deputy minister urges immediate action to review subsidised diesel quota as shortage grips Sarawak

Michael Tiang Ming Tee

KUCHING, Dec 27: Deputy Minister of Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang has called on the relevant ministries within the Federal government to take immediate steps to review their policies on the new quota for subsidised diesel as well as RON95 petrol to ensure essential services like the transportation and logistics sectors will not be disrupted, and to meet consumer demand.

Tiang’s concern was sparked by reports from petrol station operators, particularly in the Sibu division, revealing a diesel shortage in Sarawak was allegedly caused by the Federal government’s new policy on subsidised diesel quotas nationwide.

“It is apparent that the new quota set by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) at Putrajaya has not been helpful in ensuring adequate supply of diesel to the affected petrol stations, especially in central region of Sarawak,” he said in a statement today.

Tiang, who is also Pelawan assemblyman, said he had received numerous public complaints regarding the alarming shortage of diesel at PETRONAS stations, particularly in Sibu, Selangau and Tatau areas.

“This shortage has interrupted the operations of all the transporters who are struggling to obtain diesel from one petrol station to another.

“Some lorry and truck drivers are forced to stop working due to the unavailability of diesel. No diesel supply for their lorries and trucks means their livelihood is at stake,” he pointed out.

In a statement yesterday (Dec 26), PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad indicated that the diesel fuel shortage affecting multiple PETRONAS petrol stations nationwide is expected to persist until Dec 31.

Concerns from the public have recently escalated regarding the diesel shortage in Sarawak, with many diesel vehicle owners experiencing difficulties refilling, especially at PETRONAS stations. — DayakDaily