Kota Kinabalu: The Kota Kinabalu Hardware Machinery and Building Material Traders Association Sabah (KKHMBA) has called on the government to improve the implementation of the targeted diesel subsidy in the State to ease financial strain on businesses.
Its President, Tan Peng Juan, said many eligible businesses have yet to receive approval from the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living or their fleet cards a month after the scheme was introduced.
He noted that the resulting delays have forced affected traders to buy diesel at market rates, driving up transportation costs during a period of sluggish economic activity and rising operating expenses.
Tan urged the authorities to review eligibility criteria for dump trucks, as well as pick-ups and jeeps owned by small and medium enterprises registered as private limited companies, to avoid escalating construction and home repair costs for consumers.
He also appealed to the ministry to consult industry stakeholders prior to introducing future policy changes to ensure measures remain practical and effective.
