RM2.10 Per Litre BUDI Diesel Eases Operating Costs For Users, Businesses

KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 (Bernama) -- The full implementation of BUDI MADANI Diesel (BUDI Diesel) today has been welcomed by diesel vehicle owners and businesses, who say the subsidised fuel price of RM2.10 per litre will help ease operating costs and support daily economic activities.

The Finance Ministry yesterday said about 700,000 private vehicle owners nationwide are expected to benefit from the initiative, comprising 400,000 owners in Peninsular Malaysia and 300,000 others in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan.

In TERENGGANU, contractor company owner Din Mohamad, 32, said the lower diesel price would help ease transportation and machinery costs at project sites, where fuel is a major operating expense, with his daily diesel expenditure averaging between RM100 and RM150.

“Previously, filling up a Toyota Hilux could cost about RM400, but now it is just over RM200. The savings will help ease our daily operating costs,” he said when met at a petrol station in Kuala Terengganu.

Another contractor, Mohd Iffat Mohd Zain, 35, said the lower fuel cost would enable businesses to maintain their service rates at a more reasonable level.

“Our company provides grass-cutting and goods transportation services. Lower diesel prices help us manage costs while keeping our services affordable for customers,” he said, adding that his company's application for additional BUDI Diesel quota has been approved last Saturday.

In KUALA LUMPUR, cafe operator Muhammad Arif Saiful Bahari, 29, described the initiative as timely assistance for small traders who depend on diesel-powered vehicles to transport goods and supplies.

"Previously, RM50 worth of diesel would last only about three days. Now, the same amount can last more than a week," he said.

Pensioner Shahrul Azuan Mohamad, 61, said the subsidy was sufficient to cover his vehicle's average fuel consumption, enabling him to use the savings for other household necessities.

In PAHANG, diesel vehicle owner Khirrul Nirwan Bahaudin, 48, welcomed the direct subsidy mechanism, saying it was more convenient as users could purchase fuel at the subsidised price without having to wait for cash assistance payments.

Another beneficiary, Adnan Mohd, 53, said the fixed diesel price of RM2.10 per litre provides greater certainty for users by shielding them from fluctuations in market fuel prices.

In PENANG, self-employed worker Nor Asman Noordin, 51, said the initiative had significantly reduced his travelling expenses, although he hoped the subsidy quota could be increased to better meet monthly fuel requirements.

"The initiative has helped reduce our fuel expenses considerably, but the current quota is sometimes insufficient to last until the end of the month. We hope the government will consider increasing the subsidy quota," said the self-employed man from Sungai Petani.

Meanwhile, delivery service operator Muhammad Khairul Md Yusof, 27, said the lower diesel price would help reduce operating costs, allowing him to offer more competitive rates and attract more customers.

Tow truck operator S. Mahendran, 39, also welcomed the measure, saying lower fuel costs would help improve business sustainability by reducing day-to-day operating expenses.

In SELANGOR, transport and logistics industry player Daniel Khoo, 40, said the fixed diesel price benefits both businesses and consumers, but suggested that the monthly subsidy quota for logistics operators and heavy transport companies be increased to support long-term operational sustainability.

In PERLIS, contractor Muhammad Faza Fikri, 32, and agricultural goods retailer Penney, 32, said the lower diesel price would help reduce business costs as both rely heavily on diesel-powered four-wheel-drive vehicles for their daily operations.

-- BERNAMA