Kota Kinabalu: State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin (pic) has called on the Federal Government to give special consideration to Sabah's tourism industry in the implementation of the targeted diesel subsidy.
He said the State's unique geography, particularly its islands and interior areas that rely heavily on diesel for electricity generation and daily operations, meant the 200-litre monthly limit was insufficient to meet operational needs.
Jafry said his Ministry had received numerous complaints from island resort operators, tourism boat operators, marine activity providers and other tourism businesses, many of whom were not eligible under the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS) despite depending entirely on diesel.
He warned that higher operating costs, coupled with the current off-peak tourism season, were putting pressure on businesses, affecting cash flow, profitability and their ability to sustain operations and employment.
Jafry said he had written to Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali and Deputy Economy Minister Dato' Indera Mohd Shahar Abdullah, urging the Federal Government to include the tourism sector in the targeted diesel subsidy mechanism or introduce a special arrangement for operators in Sabah.
