Diesel subsidy improvements to be announced within a month - Armizan

The federal government is set to announce enhancements to the diesel subsidy system in under a month, according to Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali. The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry expresses confidence that the announcement may occur sooner than the initially estimated timeframe of one to two months.

Armizan mentioned that the ministry is optimistic about this timeline due to ongoing consultations with relevant parties, and all feedback has been forwarded to the Finance Ministry. Several enhancements have been identified to maintain the subsidy's alignment with public interests.

Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan disclosed the study of multiple improvements to the targeted diesel subsidy system, which will be revealed within the upcoming one to two months. These improvements entail streamlining the application process, relaxing criteria for transferring hire-purchase vehicles, and permitting quota transfers to immediate family members.

Armizan also revealed that the Kuala Lumpur-Based Design and Innovation Center (KPDN) has initiated an investigation under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act against two ferry operators who have increased fares in Kudat for trips between Kudat and Banggi Island. The operators have not responded to a notice requesting information, leading Armizan to direct the Malaysia Competition Commission to probe potential collusion, as both firms jointly announced fare hikes.