Kota Kinabalu: The Federal Government’s move to cancel retail diesel subsidy contradicts the ideals of Madani and Rahmah, according to Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP).
“If the Government cancels the diesel subsidy for private vehicles next year, it will undoubtedly increase the burden on everyone in Sabah,” said SAPP Vice President Gee Tien Siong.
According to the 2024 Budget tabled in Parliament by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the diesel subsidy for private vehicles will be cancelled next year.
Once implemented, the retail price of diesel per litre will skyrocket from today’s RM2.15 to RM3.75.
SPONSORED CONTENT Daily Express members: Enjoy 1 for 1 signature cocktails and more at Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu: DAILY EXPRESS is partnering with Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu to offer an exclusive deal for our members. Read more Commenting on the issue, Gee said many residents in Sabah, especially those living in and commuting between mountainous areas, depend on private diesel vehicles for their daily lives.
“This also applies to villagers who deliver their farm produce to the market daily,” he added.
He said majority of these diesel vehicles are privately owned and not registered as commercial.
“They will undoubtedly be badly affected and the prices of goods will rise once again,” he added.
On the ringgit-US dollar exchange rate, he said the rate reached a historic low on Monday (US$1 to RM4.78) and the trend does not seem to be improving.
Gee said the people are very concerned about the challenging times ahead and private diesel vehicle owners are unlikely to replace their functioning vehicles during such trying period.
“We hope the Federal Government will heed the voices of the people of Sabah and continue to subsidise retail diesel for private use.”
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