PRS info chief suggests MyKad-based system instead of applications via portal for extra Budi Diesel allocation

Dato Snowdan Lawan

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, July 4: While Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) information chief Datuk Snowdan Lawan welcomes the Budi Madani Diesel (Budi Diesel) programme, he also called on the federal government to simplify the application process for the additional 100-litre diesel allocation.

In a press release issued today, he suggested adopting a MyKad-based system similar to the Budi95 mechanism instead of relying on portal-based applications that may be difficult for rural users with poor internet connectivity as applications have to be made via the official Budi Madani portal.

“Moreover, by using MyKad and a valid driving licence along with valid road tax, this is also an effective way for the system to curb the sale of subsidised diesel to foreigners.

“The MyKad Budi Madani system can instantly connect to our National Registration Department (JPN) and Road Transport Department (JPJ) systems to detect fake or illegal transactions,” he said.

Under the programme, eligible consumers are allowed to purchase up to 200 litres of subsidised diesel at RM2.10 per litre, and eligible private owners of diesel-powered pickup trucks and SUVs may apply for an additional 100 litres per month, increasing their total monthly quota to 300 litres.

Snowdan, who is also the Sarawak Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, said this in response for his thoughts regarding the decision by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) to revoke the directive regulating diesel sales to land transport vehicles in Sarawak, Sabah, and the Federal Territory of Labuan, including the purchase limits of 50 litres, 100 litres, and 150 litres, effective July 1.

He said that the standardisation of the Budi Diesel Programme would particularly benefit smallholder oil palm farmers in Sarawak who depend on four-wheel-drive (4WD) pickup trucks to navigate rugged terrain and transport their harvest.

Snowdan also noted that the higher purchase limit would reduce the frequency of trips to town, resulting in long-term cost savings for rural residents living in remote and scattered settlements. — DayakDaily