RANAU: Concerns are growing among Sabahans over the implementation of the BUDI Diesel subsidy programme scheduled to take effect on July 1, with many fearing that genuine diesel users, particularly those in rural and interior areas, may be excluded from receiving assistance despite relying on diesel-powered vehicles for their livelihoods.
Chairman of the Kundasang Tourism and Culture Association, Datuk Japiril Suhaimin (pic), said he has received numerous views, complaints and suggestions from members of the public since the eligibility criteria for the programme were announced.
According to him, the implementation of the policy should take into account the unique realities faced by the people of Sabah and Sarawak, which differ significantly from those in Peninsular Malaysia.
“Diesel vehicles in Sabah are not a luxury. They are a necessity and, for many families, an essential tool for earning a living,” he said in a media statement.
Japiril explained that for many rural residents, diesel-powered four-wheel drives, pickup trucks, small lorries and utility vehicles are indispensable for transporting agricultural produce, conducting business, supporting tourism activities, fishing, livestock farming and carrying out daily family responsibilities.
He said Sabah’s geographical conditions, which include vast rural areas, plantation roads, village tracks and challenging terrain, make diesel vehicles the most practical and often the only viable mode of transportation.
“In many places, diesel vehicles are not a matter of preference but a necessity to ensure mobility and sustain economic activities,” he said.
He also noted that many Sabahans commute long distances between districts such as Ranau, Kota Belud, Tuaran, Papar, Kudat and Kota Marudu to reach major towns and employment centres, resulting in significantly higher fuel consumption compared to urban residents who have greater access to public transportation.
Japiril pointed out that older diesel vehicles, including Land Cruisers, pickup trucks, lorries and agricultural machinery, continue to serve as the backbone of rural economic activities.
“Although many of these vehicles are decades old, they remain reliable assets used in farms, plantations and villages to support livelihoods and local economies,” he added.
Among the major concerns raised by the public are issues relating to vehicle ownership and eligibility requirements.
He said many Sabahans working in towns or in Peninsular Malaysia often purchase vehicles under their own names for use by parents or relatives living in villages.
In such cases, the actual users may not qualify for assistance because their names do not appear as registered owners.
There are also situations where vehicles remain registered under spouses, siblings, parents or previous owners despite being fully maintained and operated by current users.
Japiril further highlighted cases involving vehicles acquired through informal ownership arrangements, commonly known as “sambung bayar”, particularly among small-scale entrepreneurs and rural residents who face difficulties obtaining conventional financing.
He also raised concerns regarding vehicles used exclusively within farms, plantations and remote rural areas that may not possess active road tax due to limited use, financial constraints or difficulties accessing related services.
“These vehicles may not meet technical requirements, but they remain essential for economic activities and household income generation,” he said.
Another concern relates to whether the proposed diesel quota would be sufficient for individuals whose work requires extensive daily travel or heavy fuel usage in sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, livestock farming, tourism, logistics and food production.
Japiril stressed that Sabah and Sarawak require a different implementation approach that reflects local realities, including geographical challenges, population distribution, road conditions and limited public transportation networks.
“The biggest concern is that deserving recipients may be left out due to technical ownership requirements, documentation issues or administrative procedures that do not reflect actual circumstances on the ground,” he said.
To address these concerns, he proposed several improvements, including reviewing strict vehicle ownership requirements, recognising legitimate vehicle use by immediate family members through reasonable supporting documentation, introducing a special appeals mechanism, reassessing fuel quotas for long-distance users and providing special consideration for farmers, fishermen, livestock breeders, tourism operators, food producers and rural entrepreneurs.
He also suggested the creation of a Sabah and Sarawak-specific implementation mechanism, special verification procedures for older vehicles still actively used for economic purposes, and allowing certification by village heads, Village Development and Security Committees (JKKKs) or relevant local authorities for vehicles operating in plantations and remote areas.
While expressing support for the government’s efforts to curb subsidy leakages and abuse, Japiril said the success of any policy should not only be measured by its ability to prevent misuse but also by its effectiveness in ensuring assistance reaches those who genuinely need it.
“For the people of Sabah and Sarawak, diesel vehicles are not symbols of luxury. They are tools of survival, instruments of work and vital sources of income.
“I sincerely hope the Federal Government will review certain implementation requirements of the BUDI Diesel programme to ensure that it remains fair, inclusive and aligned with the realities faced by the people of Sabah and Sarawak.
“The voices of the people must be heard so that no deserving individual is left behind,” he said.
