Targeted diesel subsidy: No impact on essential goods prices in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan - Fahmi

PUTATAN: The targeted diesel subsidy measure in Peninsular Malaysia, starting today, should not have a ripple effect causing an increase in the prices of essential goods in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

Fahmi, who is also the Unity Government spokesman, said this is because the government is supporting traders and those involved with various initiatives, especially through the Subsidised Diesel Control System 2.0 (SKDS 2.0) and the BUDI MADANI initiative, which among other things, help cover the transportation costs of the goods involved.

He said that through SKDS 2.0, 23 categories of vehicles are eligible for fleet card assistance, including the transportation of food, essential and daily items, allowing them to purchase diesel at the subsidised price of RM2.15 per litre while those eligible receive RM200 per month through BUDI MADANI.

“This issue does not have an impact on Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan... I see it more as whether there could be unforeseen negative effects by the Federal Government. But as we have explained, we have taken into account and evaluated this matter.

“We strive to ensure that all vehicles involved in the supply chain of goods, including the delivery of goods to Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan, continue to receive the subsidy, while individuals are also given the opportunity to receive RM200 per month (through BUDI MADANI),” he said here today.