Sarawak rural communities vulnerable as oil prices climb, says deputy minister

Dato Henry Harry Jinep (file pic)

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Mar 27: Geopolitical tensions in West Asia, which have driven up global oil prices, are expected to significantly affect river and sea transportation as well as the livelihoods of rural communities in Sarawak.

Sarawak Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Henry Harry Jinep said much of the State’s river and maritime transport relies heavily on diesel, leaving rural areas particularly vulnerable in the event of supply disruptions.

Henry, who is also the assemblyman for Tasik Biru, said rising global prices will also affect the cost of goods and food, as well as tourism activities and the local economy.

“If fuel supply becomes disrupted, rural communities that rely on river transport will face difficulties travelling, which will affect their economy and daily lives,” he said in a TVS report.

He said this after the 219th Police Day celebration at the Bau District Police Headquarters (IPD) held at St Henry’s Church in Kampung Apar, Singai, today.

Henry added that although Malaysia has not reached the level of crisis experienced in several neighbouring countries, the local communities can still feel any supply disruption.

He also noted the announcement to reduce the monthly subsidised fuel quota under Malaysia’s Budi95 programme from 300 litres to 200 litres beginning April 1 as a mitigation measure.

On Thursday (Mar 26), Anwar Ibrahim said that the fuel quota cut is part of Putrajaya’s efforts to safeguard fuel supplies amid escalating global tensions. — DayakDaily