KUCHING: The Ministry of Transport Sarawak has called for the inclusion of passenger boat operators, riverine and coastal communities for the BUDI MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) targeted petrol subsidy scheme.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said these groups, who rely solely on water transport for daily livelihood and mobility, must not be left out of the scheme.
“The scheme has been well received nationwide and reflects the government’s strong commitment to the people’s well-being. We must also ensure inclusivity for our water transport sector,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Lee added that the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) will convene a meeting today with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living to discuss incorporating Sarawak’s water transport sector under the BUDI95 scheme.
Ahead of the meeting, the Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) has been tasked to work closely with the relevant ministries to provide comprehensive water transport data to support policy direction, decision-making, and quota allocations.
“To date, SRB has submitted to the Ministry of Finance Sarawak a consolidated list of 205 registered passenger boat owners and operators of small boats and vessels holding River Transport Permits,” he said, adding that the list would form part of the scheme adjustment considerations.
Lee assured SRB is also collaborating with ministries and agencies to collect and verify data on riverine and coastal communities to ensure eligible individuals are included.
“This effort is in line with the government’s principle of inclusivity,” he said.
