Gov’t Maintains Diesel Subsidy In Sabah, Sarawak To Curb Rising Costs

KOTA KINABALU, March 14 (Bernama) -- The MADANI Government is continuing to maintain diesel subsidies in Sabah and Sarawak to ensure that transportation costs, logistics and the prices of daily essentials in both states do not soar.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said the move was crucial to protect the well-being of the people, particularly in areas that are highly dependent on land and sea transportation for the supply of goods.

He added that the world is currently facing geopolitical uncertainties following tensions involving Iran in West Asia, which have driven up global energy market prices, and the effects are also being felt in the country’s economic chain.

“The fact is, the government is currently bearing around RM3.2 billion every month for petrol and diesel subsidies, which is about RM2 billion for RON95 and RM1.2 billion for diesel. This proves the government’s strong commitment to protecting the people from global economic shocks,” he said in a statement tonight.

Mustapha said that in addition to diesel, the government is also protecting the people by maintaining the price of RON95 petrol at RM1.99 per litre through the targeted BUDI MADANI subsidy approach, compared to the actual market price that is estimated at RM2.67 per litre.

He added that fuel prices in Malaysia are still among the lowest in ASEAN compared to neighbouring countries, such as Thailand (around RM4 per litre), Indonesia (RM3 to RM3.50 per litre) and Singapore (RM8 to RM10 per litre).

As such, he advised the people to understand the current economic realities and use subsidy facilities more prudently.

“In this uncertain world, we must remain calm, not be influenced by speculation and continue to be united as Malaysians,” he said, adding that the government will continue to take appropriate steps to ensure the country’s economic stability.

-- BERNAMA