Kota Kinabalu: Motorists and Sabahans in general welcomed the decision of the Federal Government not to include Sabah and Sarawak in the re-targeting of diesel subsidy.
Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) Vice President Gee Tien Siong said Sabahans were happy with the decision of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“I urge the Government to maintain the ceiling retail price of diesel for private cars at RM2.15 per litre…this would be a significant relief for the people of Sabah and Sarawak,” he said in a statement, Saturday.
“We look forward to the Federal Government continuing to heed the needs of Sabahans,” he added.
Echoing the same reaction, Sabah West Coast Smart Consumers Association President David Chan said the decision to exclude Sabah and Sarawak from the re-targeting of diesel subsidy was timely and appropriate.
He said the decision brought relief to many locals who were concerned about the potential price hike if the programme is to be carried out in the State.
“This shows the Government understands the plight of the people,” he added.
David said many Sabahans depend on diesel for their livelihood.
“The locals are forced to drive diesel-operated four-wheel-drives due to the terrain and road conditions,” he added.
The Prime Minister, when winding up the debate on the Supply Bill 2024 at the policy stage in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday, said the re-targeting of the diesel subsidy in phases would only be carried out in the peninsula.