KUCHING: Rural communities in Sarawak welcome the Federal Government’s decision to standardise subsidised diesel purchases at 200 litres under the Budi MADANI mechanism.
The move followed the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living’s (KPDN) decision, which took effect on July 1, to revoke the previous purchase limits of 50, 100 and 150 litres for eligible consumers in Sabah, Sarawak and the Federal Territory of Labuan.
Under the Budi MADANI mechanism, eligible consumers can now purchase up to 200 litres of subsidised diesel at RM2.10 per litre.
“This move is much welcomed in view that most small holders engaging in oil palm farming rely on 4×4 wheels pick-up vehicles to beat the rough and steep terrain during harvest and thereafter to carry the fruit bunches to the retailers,” said Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, in a statement today.
Snowdan, who is also Balai Ringin assemblyman, said the increase in the subsidised diesel allocation would provide greater convenience and long term cost savings for rural consumers, particularly smallholders involved in oil palm cultivation who rely heavily on four wheel drive vehicles for their livelihoods.
“With the limit increased to 200 litres following the MyKad Budi system, now they can purchase more. In the long run it entails cost savings for the consumers,” he said.
Snowdan was commenting on the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living’s (KPDN) decision to revoke the directive regulating the sale of subsidised diesel to land transport vehicles in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan, including the previous purchase limits.
He said the move was especially beneficial for Sarawak, where many communities face geographical challenges, including long travel distances, steep terrain and poor road conditions.
“Distance, steep terrains and rough roads are normal instances in Sarawak,” he said.
Snowdan noted that many settlements and longhouses in the state are sparsely scattered and located far from towns, and the higher fuel allocation could reduce the frequency of trips needed to purchase subsidised diesel.
“With Budi Diesel Programme mechanism being in force now they need not come out to towns too often for purchases,” he said.
However, he pointed out that owners of jeeps and pick-up vehicles applying for an additional 100 litres of subsidised diesel could face challenges due to limited internet and email access in rural areas.
“It would be good to simplify application process entirely by using MyKad similar to Budi 95,” he said.
Snowdan added that integrating MyKad verification with valid driving licences and road tax records could also help curb the illegal purchase of subsidised diesel by foreigners.
“The Mykad Budi MADANI system can instantly connect to our National Registration Department (JPN) and Road Transport Department (RTD) to detect fake or illegal transactions,” he said.
