BATU KAWAN, Penang: The government is considering reducing road tax rates for diesel vehicles in the near term to ease the burden on the public following the rise in diesel prices.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he has asked the Transport Ministry (MoT) to identify a suitable mechanism to implement the reduction, taking into account the impact of higher diesel prices on users, particularly sectors that still rely on diesel vehicles.
“Reducing fuel prices is not feasible at this time, but road tax can be (reduced), and there are about 1.8 million diesel vehicles in Malaysia.
“Although the number is relatively small compared with the total, these 1.8 million vehicle owners are affected as diesel prices have increased,” he said.
He said this at the 80th anniversary celebration of the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the JPJ MADANI Mega Carnival at the State Stadium grounds here today.
Also present were Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abdul Bakar, and JPJ Director-General Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, also said that the government will maintain its targeted subsidy policy for RON95 petrol through the BUDI MADANI (BUDI95) programme, with fuel subsidies currently amounting to about RM7 billion a month.
He said the government’s priority is not solely on fuel prices, but also on ensuring sufficient supply amid global uncertainties.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister stressed that Malaysia will continue to maintain good relations with all countries to safeguard its economic interests in the face of global challenges.
He said Malaysia’s independent and sovereign foreign policy enables the country to cooperate with major powers, including the United States, China and Middle Eastern nations, despite ongoing conflicts in certain regions.
“We do not get involved militarily or in ways that would affect our good relations, but as a free and sovereign nation, we must speak out when there are serious injustices, such as when a country like Israel decides to bomb schools,” Anwar said.
He added that strong diplomatic ties also help Malaysia navigate international conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, including ensuring the smooth passage of the country’s oil tankers through strategic routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. – BERNAMA
