Kota Kinabalu: Sabah PKR Youth (AMK) has urged the Federal Government to review the implementation of the diesel subsidy policy in Sabah, saying it should better reflect the State's unique geographical and socio-economic conditions.
Its chief, Zaidi Jatil (pic), said Sabah AMK understood the rationale behind the targeted subsidy reform to reduce leakages, curb smuggling and ensure assistance reached eligible recipients, but stressed that its implementation should take into account Sabah's reliance on diesel.
He said Sabah's vast geography, dispersed settlements and limited public transport, particularly in rural and interior areas, meant diesel-powered vehicles were a necessity for many people rather than a choice.
He added that farmers, fishermen, smallholders, livestock breeders, logistics operators, small contractors and rural workers depended heavily on diesel vehicles, raising concerns that the quota-based and conditional subsidy mechanism could make it difficult for legitimate users to receive adequate assistance while increasing logistics, transport and living costs.
Zaidi said Sabah AMK supported subsidy reform for the country's fiscal sustainability but called on the Federal Government to adopt a more inclusive, flexible and locally appropriate implementation approach to ensure no one was left behind.
