KUCHING: River boat operators and longhouse residents in Sarawak are among the groups eligible to receive diesel subsidies.
Finance Minister II, Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, said a mechanism has been established to take into account the needs of communities that depend on diesel but may not meet the usual subsidy application requirements, such as possessing a valid driving licence.
He said that for river boat operators, the Sarawak Government, through the Sarawak Rivers Board, will identify eligible individuals before submitting their names to the Ministry of Finance (MOF) for activation of their subsidy quota.
“For boat operators who travel along the rivers, the state government will play a role in ensuring that registered operators are given a quota.
“In Sarawak, the Sarawak Rivers Board will identify those who are eligible and submit the list to MOF. We will activate their MyKad so that they can receive the quota,” he said.
He said this during a press conference after the engagement session on the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS) 2.0 at Pullman Hotel here today.
He also said that if the allocated quota is found to be insufficient based on actual usage, the operators may submit an application for further consideration by both the state and federal governments.
Amir Hamzah also said that the government has introduced a mechanism for longhouse residents and those living in remote areas who still rely on diesel generators as their source of electricity.
According to him, Resident Offices will play a role in identifying eligible individuals before their MyKad is activated, allowing them to purchase diesel at subsidised prices.
“For those living in longhouses that depend on generators, the Resident Office will identify who is eligible.
“Once their MyKad is activated, they will be able to purchase subsidised diesel at designated locations,” he explained.
He said this approach would ensure that subsidy assistance reaches the intended target groups while enabling more effective monitoring of subsidised fuel usage to prevent leakages and misuse.
The BUDI MADANI Diesel programme will see the price of subsidised diesel reduced to RM2.10 per litre, effective July 1, 2026 nationwide.
