KUCHING: Communities in rural Sarawak who depend on speedboats and high-powered engines for daily transport have been urged to submit appeals to the Ministry of Finance (MoF) following the rollout of the BUDI95.
Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Senior Deputy Director, Petroleum Regulatory Division (Controlled Goods and Subsidy Sector), Noriqram Mohd Noor, said that unlike cars, boat owners usually refuel by filling portable tanks.
He said registered fuel stations are permitted to sell up to 20 litres of petrol in containers for villagers, but this supply is not covered under BUDI95.
“Those requiring subsidised fuel through such arrangements would need a special permit.
“For private boats, we are currently reviewing. As of now, for BUDI RON95 assistance, we use two main criteria: MyKad and a valid driving licence.
“The question now is how boat licensing in Sarawak is managed, and perhaps relevant agencies can provide clarity,” he said during the state level Subsidised Petrol Control System (SKPS) RON95 Customer Engagement Day at Sultan Iskandar Building here today.
As example, Noriqram shared that in Peninsular Malaysia, passenger ferries under the public water transport category receive diesel subsidies managed by the Marine Department, which issues licences and determines quotas.
“So, in my view, perhaps this matter can be further discussed with the Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) to assess eligibility.
“We also understand that the demographics in Sarawak are different from those in the peninsula.
“That is why we are gathering feedback through today’s engagement session, so we can highlight any issues that might have been overlooked,” he said.
Meanwhile, KPDN Sarawak director Matthew Dominic Barin said that SKPS is a government initiative to regulate the distribution of petrol subsidies, aimed at reducing leakages and misuse of subsidised fuel.
“We have eight KPDN branches, nine including our headquarters in Kuching, as well as sub-branches in Serian and Lawas.
“SKPS will be implemented starting Sept 30, including the use of fleet cards in Sarawak.
“Should there be any inquiries, the public can visit our offices, where our officers are ready to assist,” he said.
