KPDN To Review Mechanisms To Assist Peninsular Island Communities Using Private Boats

KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) will look into appropriate mechanisms to help island communities in Peninsular Malaysia that rely on private boats, specifically to address their needs under the BUDI MADANI scheme.

Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh acknowledged the difficulties faced by island residents who depend on boats for their daily commute to the mainland.

"The ministry can explore ways to extend specific assistance to this group," she said in the Dewan Rakyat's Special Chamber session today.

She was responding to Muhammad Islahuddin Abas (PN-Mersing), who called for a higher BUDI95 quota for island residents, including those in Mersing, Johor, given their higher petrol consumption. 

Separately, Fuziah said the ministry is refining the standard operating procedures (SOP) to extend subsidised diesel fleet cards to old folks' homes registered under non-governmental organisations. 

She highlighted that these groups are currently excluded from the facility as they are not company-registered, even though they have significant transport needs for welfare and elderly care.

"We're reviewing the SOP to see how we can approve them, because they are registered with the Registrar of Societies, not the Companies Commission. So we need an additional procedure," she said.

She was replying to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (BN-Ayer Hitam) on subsidised diesel access under the Subsidised Diesel Control Scheme (SKDS) for marginalised sectors, including tourism and construction.

Fuziah added that the tourism industry remains ineligible for diesel subsidies under SKDS 2.0, as the scheme currently prioritises essential sectors like food.

-- BERNAMA