Over 800 Rural Julau Residents Receive Driving Licences, Qualify For Subsidised Fuel Benefits

SARIKEI, June 28 (Bernama) -- Participants from rural areas of the Julau parliamentary constituency expressed gratitude after obtaining their Class B2 Probationary Driving Licences (PDL) through the Driving Licence Assistance Programme (BLM), qualifying them to buy subsidised petrol for their motorcycles.

A participant, Bajik Undum, 57, from Rumah Ajau, Ulu Kuntau, Pakan, said she previously had to buy non-subsidised petrol for her motorcycle, which she uses to travel to her orchard and transport produce, as she did not have a valid licence.

"Fuel prices are high nowadays. Before, I could not buy fuel at subsidised rates because I lacked a licence. Now that I have a licence, I can buy subsidised petrol," she told Bernama after the closing of the 2026 Class B2 Driving Licence Assistance Programme at the Julau Closed Stadium here today.

The event, which was attended by 885 participants, was officiated by Julau MP Datuk Larry Sng Wei Shien, who is also the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) chairman. Also present was Sarawak Road Transport Department (JPJ) director Norizan Jili.

Bajik, the oldest female participant in the programme, added that the motorcycle licence not only allows her to ride legally but also eases her daily financial burden because she is entitled to subsidised petrol.

Meanwhile, the oldest male participant, Kudang Jenggi, 64, said he can now buy subsidised petrol and ride his motorcycle with greater confidence to work, visit relatives, and run errands.

"I no longer have to worry when passing roadblocks because I now have a valid licence. Most importantly, I am eligible to buy fuel at subsidised prices," said Kudang, who works as a bird's nest house caretaker in Bayong, Sarikei.

For Daniel Padong, 45, from Rumah Pom, Ulu Amot, Pakan, his motorcycle is the primary mode of transport to his oil palm smallholding every day.

He said the recent rise in petrol prices had increased his daily costs, but securing a licence through the programme allowed him to benefit from subsidised fuel and lower his daily transport expenses.

-- BERNAMA