Kota Kinabalu: The targeted Budi Madani Diesel subsidy is a positive measure to ensure government assistance reaches eligible recipients while reducing leakages and abuse, says Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Information Chief Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan (pic).
He said the Federal Government's decision to maintain subsidised diesel prices for eligible vehicle owners in Sabah, together with improvements such as extending eligibility to certain pick-up trucks and jeeps, allowing eligibility transfers to family members and exempting ownership transfer fees, was commendable.
However, he said the policy should continue to be refined to reflect Sabah's geographical realities, travel patterns and economic structure, noting that many residents depend on diesel for transport, agriculture, fishing, construction, small businesses and other rural economic activities.
Nizam expressed hope that subsidised diesel purchase quotas and eligibility requirements would be reviewed regularly based on actual usage in Sabah, while a more flexible approach should be considered for rural communities, farmers, fishermen, small-scale entrepreneurs and those relying on diesel-powered boats, generators and equipment.
He said the Federal Government should continue monitoring the implementation of the Budi Madani Diesel programme and make adjustments where necessary to curb subsidy leakages without affecting the well-being and economic sustainability of Sabahans, adding that the state's needs should be assessed in the context of its vast geography, long travel distances, limited public transport and dependence on diesel.
