PUTRAJAYA: The Cabinet has approved two enhancements to the targeted diesel subsidy mechanism to make the system more inclusive while addressing the rising cost of living, curbing subsidy leakages and safeguarding the country's fiscal position.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the first enhancement extends diesel subsidy eligibility to small business owners operating diesel-powered jeeps and pickup trucks registered under a business or company name, while the second revises fixed fuel quota rates for several categories of commercial land transport vehicles under the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS).
He said the revised quotas would take into account factors including Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), engine capacity, lorry category, fuel consumption and vehicle operating patterns, adding that the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, Finance Ministry and Transport Ministry had been instructed to immediately implement the Cabinet's decision.
Speaking after attending the Minister's Outreach Programme on the implementation of Budi Diesel on Saturday, Armizan said 4,146 petrol stations nationwide were ready for the full rollout of the Budi Diesel programme on July 1, involving 10 participating oil companies.
He said eligible recipients had been given early access to purchase diesel at RM2.15 per litre ahead of the subsidised price of RM2.10 per litre from July 1, with inspections carried out to ensure the stability of the MyKad verification system, digital applications and overall implementation.
