KUCHING: The federal government has been urged to hold a dedicated engagement session with Sarawak’s transport and logistics industry to provide clearer guidance on the implementation of the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS), which took effect nationwide on July 1.
Sarawak Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, said the proposed engagement should be organised by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) and the Ministry of Finance (MOF) following numerous enquiries from transport operators, logistics companies, businesses and the public.
He said many stakeholders remained unclear about eligibility requirements, application procedures, subsidised diesel purchasing mechanisms, and the policy’s impact on their daily operations.
“Direct engagement with industry players is important to ensure everyone fully understands the policy while providing an avenue for them to raise questions, share views and explain the operational challenges they face.
“Continuous communication between implementing agencies and industry players is essential to ensure the policy is implemented smoothly while minimising confusion and unnecessary disruption to business operations,” he said after receiving a briefing on the SKDS implementation from KPDN and MOF officials at his office at Baitulmakmur here today.
The hybrid briefing involved officers attending in person, while officials responsible for implementing the BUDI Diesel programme from MOF in Putrajaya and KPDN joined virtually.
The briefing covered the objectives of SKDS, its implementation mechanism, eligibility criteria, application process, operating procedures, subsidised diesel purchasing methods and enforcement aspects.
Lee said it was important for him, as the minister responsible for the state’s transport sector, to fully understand the policy so that concerns and feedback from industry players and the public could be conveyed to the relevant federal authorities.
He also expressed hope that the implementation of SKDS would take into account Sarawak’s unique geographical conditions and logistics network, which differ significantly from those in Peninsular Malaysia.
He said the Ministry of Transport Sarawak would continue working closely with relevant federal ministries and agencies to facilitate communication and channel industry feedback to ensure the policy achieves its intended objectives.
Lee also encouraged transport operators, companies and members of the public seeking clarification on SKDS to obtain information through official government channels, including nearby KPDN offices, the ministry’s official email and dedicated SKDS hotline.
