KPDN addressing fuel supply issues in Niah, Bekenu

MIRI (March 30): The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) Office here assures the people of Niah and Bekenu that it is addressing the fuel supply issue, ahead of the purchase adjustment of the Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95) petrol effective tomorrow (April 1).

It was reported that petrol sales at the stations in these two areas were rationed last weekend.

According to KPDN Miri enforcement chief Englebert Ingath Desmond Japar, the fuel supply in Niah resumed to normal on Monday afternoon after it had reached out to oil companies to urgently address the shortage situation.

“The fuel was distributed to the petrol stations in the Niah area at 3.30pm, while for the Bekenu area, the application for additional Budi95 petrol quota has been referred to Putrajaya for approval while awaiting the new quota, to be distributed on April 1,” he told The Borneo Post here.

Residents in Bekenu and Niah expressed deep disappointment when petrol purchases at several stations were limited to RM20 per transaction.

Many returned empty-handed when the supply ran out before they could fill up, triggering them to post their frustrations on social media.

Last week, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had announced that the individual monthly limit for the purchase of Budi95 petrol would be temporarily adjusted to 200 litres per month from 300 litres per month previously, effective April 1.

However, he also said that the subsidised RON95 price would remain unchanged at RM1.99 per litre.

For diesel, Anwar said Sabah and Sarawak would continue to enjoy a subsidised rate of RM2.15 per litre, despite rising global prices.

Nevertheless, many locals have expressed concern about the adjustment, especially those in the communities still using fuel-powered generator sets.

“RM20 worth of fuel is simply not enough for those still using generator sets,” remarked a netizen, Denis Aming.

In her remarks, Bekenu assemblyman Datuk Rosey Yunus urged the authorities to urgently resolve the fuel supply issue in her constituency.

“I understand that there is a quota in place, but the KPDN should listen to the people and look into their needs, as this (supply issue) is affecting not only the vehicle owners, but also the fishermen.

“If there’s not fuel available, how can they go out to sea?” questioned the state Deputy Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development.

Rosey also pointed out that the surge in people’s movement during the Hari Raya season, tomb-cleaning festival and the school holidays, as well as demands from small-medium enterprises (SMEs) should also be considered.

“The operators here have to wait until April 1 for new fuel supplies, so what about those going to school and to work, as well as those selling goods?” she added.