Rural Sarawak’s Dependence On 4wd Makes Diesel Subsidy Vital

By Ammar Shafiq Hamzah

KUCHING, April 24 (Bernama) -- The vast and challenging geography of rural Sarawak has made four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles an essential mode of transport, with diesel subsidies serving as a lifeline for communities in the interior.

Telang Usan assemblyman Datuk Dennis Ngau said residents in his constituency, located in the northern part of Sarawak, depend on 4WD vehicles for mobility due to poor road conditions.

He also stressed that owning such vehicles should not be regarded as a luxury but a necessity. 

“Saloon cars or small vehicles such as the Kancil or Myvi simply cannot make it here. We need 4WD vehicles because our roads consist of logging tracks and muddy terrain, and the situation gets worse when it rains.

“We appreciate the government’s decision to maintain the diesel price at RM2.15 per litre because we really need it and we have no alternative,” he told Bernama. 

On March 26, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that Sabah and Sarawak will continue to enjoy subsidised diesel at RM2.15 per litre despite rising global prices.

Anwar also announced limits on fuel purchases to ensure fair distribution and sufficient supply. Light vehicles for public transport, goods and private use will be capped at 50 litres per transaction, vehicles under three tonnes at 100 litres and those exceeding three tonnes at 150 litres.

Dennis said the Telang Usan constituency covers approximately 9,000 square kilometres and he is responsible for 88 longhouses and villages inhabited by Kayan, Kenyah, and Penan communities, as well as the town of Long Lama, which has a predominantly Chinese population.

He said the constituency has around 1,000 kilometres (km) of dirt or logging roads that were originally built by logging companies to connect villages in the area.

“Out of the 1,000km logging roads, we managed to build about 200km of concrete roads, but more than 800km remain. Given the challenging geography, it takes a long time.  

“This area can be considered the ‘last frontier’ because it is still far behind in terms of road infrastructure. Additionally, the 88 longhouses are scattered, not located along a single road, as settlements were historically built along rivers,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dennis added that while he understands the government’s concern over diesel leakage and cross-border smuggling, the current restriction of 50 litres per fill for light vehicles should be reviewed.

He said 50 litres is only enough for a one-way trip to certain locations, which can be risky for those travelling into rural or interior areas with no petrol stations nearby.

“Normally, we need to fill a full tank of around 75 litres and also carry additional fuel in containers as backup because there are no petrol stations in rural areas. This is very different from cities like Miri, where petrol stations are easily available.

“Therefore, we hope the government can reconsider the 50-litre limit and at least allow full-tank refuelling, especially for rural areas such as Telang Usan and Belaga,” he added.

-- BERNAMA