KUCHING: The federal government’s recent announcement of a new RON95 petrol subsidy, effective September 2025, has sparked calls from Sarawak leaders for special considerations to be given to the state.
Under the policy, eligible Malaysians with a MyKad and valid driving licence will be entitled to purchase subsidised RON95 at RM1.99 per litre, capped at 300 litres per month.
While acknowledging that fuel subsidies are costly and that cutting unnecessary spending is vital for the country’s long-term financial health, Sarawak leaders argue that the policy fails to account for the state’s unique conditions.
They stress that redirecting resources to other public priorities is important, but any nationwide subsidy framework must reflect local realities.
“It is a policy which has not taken into consideration some of the special conditions in Sarawak,” said Bawang Assan Assemblyman, Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh, in a press statement today.
“Sarawak is not the same as Peninsular Malaysia. Many people here have lower average incomes, especially those living in faraway rural areas. A fixed cap will disproportionately affect these people who already struggle with higher living costs and longer travel distances.”
Wong highlighted several key concerns. Sarawak’s vast geography and challenging terrain mean rural residents often travel long distances to reach shops, health facilities and essential services, which increases fuel consumption beyond the 300-litre limit.
Limited or non-existent public transport outside major towns forces residents to depend heavily on private vehicles for commuting, school runs, and the transport of goods.
He also noted that inadequate internet connectivity in certain rural areas could complicate MyKad chip verification and quota tracking, potentially causing eligible Sarawakians to lose access to the subsidy.
“If verification systems do not work properly, people may be unfairly denied the support they need,” he said.
Wong further pointed out that Sarawak has previously been exempted from similar diesel subsidy rationalisations, citing the state’s significant contributions to Malaysia’s oil and gas wealth.
“Since we have always contributed more than our fair share to the nation’s resources, the very wealth that fuels this subsidy it is only fair that Sarawakians should not follow the same rules designed for Peninsular Malaysia,” he added.
He urged the federal government not to impose “copy-paste rules” from the Peninsular onto Sarawak.
“They may fit there, but here, they may not fit us,” Wong said, calling for special treatment or lower pump prices for Sarawakians to reflect the state’s unique income levels, transport infrastructure and geography.
