Govt to introduce subsidy mechanism for diesel genset users

Amir said Putrajaya acknowledged that many communities in the state’s interior depend on gensets for their daily electricity supply and therefore require a special arrangement under the diesel subsidy rationalisation programme, Borneo Post reported.

“For those living in remote areas, we have a mechanism. Just as we use the Sarawak Rivers Board to identify eligible boat operators, residents in longhouses will be identified through the Resident’s Office.

“That person’s IC will be activated (identified). Once activated, they can go to the designated place to buy diesel supplies at the subsidised price,” he told reporters after a media briefing on the implementation of diesel subsidy reforms in Kuching.

He said the mechanism is aimed at ensuring that subsidy assistance reaches those who genuinely need it while minimising leakages.

Amir was responding to a question on how rural communities that depend on gensets would be affected.

In response to concerns by some Sarawak vehicle owners over the newly announced diesel quota of 200 litres a month under the BUDI Madani Diesel programme, Amir said it was too early to determine whether the allocation was insufficient, as the scheme would only begin on July 1.

Drawing from the government’s experience with the BUDI Madani RON95 programme, he said official data showed that only 0.76% of recipients exceeded 200 litres of fuel consumption between January and May this year.

“Sometimes we need to let the system run first and see its effectiveness. If there are gaps in the system, we have no problem reviewing it,” he added.

Amir also said the government remains committed to making adjustments where justified by actual usage data, citing previous revisions to the subsidised RON95 quota made for e-hailing drivers.