Miri MP: Budi Diesel must factor in Sarawak, Sabah realities from geography to generator needs

Chiew Choon Man

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, July 3: The implementation of the Budi Diesel subsidy quota and mechanism needs to be reviewed to take into account geographical realities, high dependence on diesel-powered vehicles, and the continued use of diesel generators for electricity in Sarawak and Sabah.

Miri MP Chiew Choon Man said that while the targeted subsidy policy under the Budi Madani framework is aimed at reducing leakage and curbing diesel smuggling, its execution must reflect the realities faced by East Malaysians on the ground, where vast distances, challenging terrain and limited infrastructure make diesel an essential necessity rather than a convenience.

“The implementation of this policy must be continuously reviewed, taking into account these geographical and infrastructural differences between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia.

“There have been calls for the government to reconsider the quota rates as some users in Sarawak require a higher allocation to meet their daily travel needs, work requirements, family matters, as well as movement between urban, suburban, and rural areas,” he said in a statement today.

Chiew, who is also Deputy Minister of Tourism, Art and Culture, noted that many residents in Miri and across Sarawak rely heavily on diesel vehicles such as four-wheel drives and pickup trucks for daily life and livelihood activities.

“For some people, diesel vehicles are not merely a lifestyle choice. It is a necessity. They are used for work, transporting goods, sending children to school, accessing healthcare, running small businesses, and travelling in areas that require more rugged vehicles such as 4WDs and pickups,” he said.

He also highlighted the continued reliance on diesel for electricity generation in areas without power supply.

“For them, diesel is not only about transportation but is also closely linked to electricity supply, daily livelihood sustainability, and access to basic services,” he added.

Chiew said that he has formally conveyed these concerns to the federal government, including writing to the Ministry of Finance.
He welcomed remarks by government spokesperson and Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, who said the government is reviewing feedback on the subsidy mechanism.

“I welcome the statement that the government has received various feedback regarding the implementation of Budi Diesel, including issues of quota and the actual needs of residents in the interior of Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.

Chiew added that he will continue to push for a balanced solution moving forward, where subsidies are effectively targeted and leakage is curbed, while ensuring that the people of Sarawak who genuinely depend on diesel are not unduly burdened in their daily lives.