Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH) urged the Government to ensure that the implementation of Budi Madani Diesel in Sabah is transparent, fair and does not burden the people.
Sabah PH Information Chief Datuk Chan Foong Hin said in principle, the coalition supports subsidy reform efforts through a more targeted, transparent approach that can reduce leakage, thus ensuring that government assistance is enjoyed by those who truly deserve it.
“We welcome the implementation of Diesel Budi Madani which will reduce the price of subsidised diesel to RM2.10 per litre nationwide through the use of MyKad starting July 1, but the Government needs to ensure that its implementation in Sabah is transparent, fair and does not burden the people,” he said in a statement, Wednesday.
He said the subsidy savings obtained also need to be returned to the people in the form of targeted assistance, cost of living protection and improvements to public services.
“In this regard, the success of the implementation of this policy cannot be measured solely through the standardisation of the system, but must be assessed based on the actual impact on the lives of the people of Sabah and how it can be adjusted to alleviate the livelihood challenges of the community here.
“The people of Sabah are highly dependent on long-distance land transportation, inter-district logistics, the use of private diesel vehicles, river boats and the use of generators in the interior,” he said in a statement.
Chan said Sabah PH also appreciated the active involvement of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali who co-led the information session on the implementation of the policy.
According to him, as a representative from Sabah who understands the economic and geographical realities of the State which are different from the peninsula,Armizan’s role is important in ensuring that the implementation of targeted subsidies can balance fiscal considerations, in addition to protecting the interests of consumers and price stability in Sabah.
In this regard, he urged that several matters be given serious attention to ensure that the implementation of the policy runs smoothly.
He said the expansion of the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS) led by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) needs to be closely monitored so that there are no supply disruptions or delays in the registration process that could affect consumers and traders.
In addition, he said the quota increase mechanism for diesel users in rural and inland areas needs to be implemented flexibly and in a people-friendly manner since consumption patterns in Sabah are different and involve longer journeys.
Chan also urged the KPDN together with relevant agencies to intensify monitoring and enforcement to ensure that no party takes advantage of the change in the subsidy mechanism as an excuse to raise the price of goods or transport charges unreasonably.
He also stressed the importance of strengthening channels for assistance and complaints, including in rural areas, so that the people do not face difficulties in accessing the new system that has been introduced.
Meanwhile, Chan said PH Sabah welcomed the Government’s decision to maintain subsidies for strategic sectors such as fishermen, small farmers and public transport, in addition to expanding access to river boat operators and generator users in the interior.
“Subsidy reform is not just about fiscal savings. It must be an instrument to build a fairer system, reduce leakages and at the same time safeguard the welfare of the people, especially the people of Sabah who have their own needs and challenges,” he said.
He said Sabah PH would continue to play a constructive role with the Madani Government to ensure that the implementation of the policy truly benefits the people without leaving anyone behind.
