Kota Kinabalu: Deputy Chief Minister II cum State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun urged Sabahans to report illegal diesel sales, pointing out that leakages cost not just the Government but consumers their fair share of subsidised fuel.
“Every Sabahan should work very hard to ensure there is no leakage,” he said at a media conference following a briefing on the implementation of the Budi Madani Diesel subsidy reform at the Sabah International Convention Centre.
“When leakage happens, it is not just the Government that loses out. In truth, the rakyat lose out too. There will be less diesel that can be distributed to eligible consumers,” he said.
Masidi said the scale of the problem was staggering, pointing to Federal data estimating that more than a billion litres of subsidised diesel are lost annually in Malaysia.
He said he did not know where the diesel was going, adding that it was unlikely Sabahans were consuming that much themselves.
He urged Sabahans to report anyone found selling subsidised diesel illegally to those who are not entitled.
“Look after our own rice bowl. This is for our own use. Do not allow others to share,” he said.
Masidi drew a comparison to past misuse of subsidised fertiliser, recalling that he once saw subsidised or free fertiliser being sold by the roadside near Kudat.
He said the same discipline needed to apply to diesel. “We sometimes complain about diesel shortages, yet the statistics show a huge loss of subsidised diesel from Sabah.
“Sabahans need to be more patriotic. Charity begins at home. If we have that attitude, trust me, the problem of leakage can be reduced substantially,” he said.
He added that savings from reduced leakage would be channelled back into the scheme, resulting in even lower fuel prices for consumers.
On whether the Sabah Government had secured any special provisions under the new mechanism, Masidi said Federal authorities had clearly done their homework and taken into account Sabah’s unique conditions, including the prevalence of four-wheel-drive vehicles.
“They have been very consultative, and I am sure they will continue to be,” he said. “What matters is the effectiveness of the implementation of this scheme.”Asked whether the Sabah Government would consider supplementary assistance for communities that may be hard hit during the transition, Masidi said the scheme itself had built-in provisions for adjustments to ensure no eligible recipients were left behind.
“I am very optimistic. The scheme provides for modifications where needed to ensure the main objective is achieved and no one is left out as a recipient of this subsidy.”Masidi said he expected adaptations to be made where conditions in Sabah were particularly unique.
“There are no hard and fast rules. This serves as a guideline,” he said.
“There will be adaptation and improvements where something is very specific to Sabah. The conditions here are such that I am certain there will be suitable adaptations to ensure recipients do not lose out under this scheme.”As of Tuesday, Masidi said no industry players had lodged complaints with his office since the announcement was made, though he said all lines of communication remained open.
“So far, there have been none,” he said. “But we are open to suggestions. They can come to my office or any of the ministers’ offices and we will be more than happy to listen to any grouses.” He said the Government, both State and Federal, has always been receptive to feedback that would improve the implementation of the scheme.
