Penambahbaikan subsidi diesel diumum dalam tempoh kurang sebulan

Perdana Menteri Armizan Mohd Ali revealed plans to announce diesel subsidy mechanism enhancements within a month. The Malaysian Federal Government is expected to unveil the improvements in a span of one to two months, as stated by the Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Sara Armizan Mohd Ali. He emphasized that the decision-making process involving relevant parties has been conducted and all feedback has been provided to the Finance Ministry, which is responsible for overseeing the implementation.

The possible adjustments aim to ensure that the diesel subsidy scheme always serves the best interests of the public, according to Armizan. Following the Merdeka Kasih Touch, Rahmah Madani Sales and Internet Happiness Campaign events held in Papar, the Finance Minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan reported that several improvements to the diesel subsidy system are under investigation, with the announcement expected within the next two months.

These improvements would include simplifying the application process, expanding eligibility criteria for ongoing fuel payments, and transferring quotas to immediate family members.

Meanwhile, Armizan mentioned that the Public Utilities Corporation (KPDN) has initiated a review under the Price Regulation and Anti-Price Fixing Act regarding two ferries operating in Kudat, where the diesel fuel price increase involved a journey from Kudat to Pulau Banggi. The notice sent to these companies on December 31st, 2022, did not receive a response, prompting the Malaysian Competition Commission (MyCC) to investigate the possibility of price collusion based on complaints that both companies issued simultaneous price increase announcements.

MyCC's investigation is being ordered due to the anti-competition nature of such behavior, Armizan stated.

In a related matter, addressing complaints from public ferries not receiving diesel subsidies, Armizan explained that passenger ferries are eligible for subsidies through a tank skid application to the Malaysia Maritime Department. However, the inquiry found that neither of the relevant ferries has submitted a formal application despite being advised to do so by the authorities.

To address this, Armizan suggested that the Sabah government examine the transfer of ferry management and passenger ferry applications from the Malaysia Port and Quay Department to the Sabah Ports and Quays Department to create market competition. The Deputy Chief Minister III Ewon Benedick, also a Minister for Industrial Development, Trade, and Transport in Sabah, will consider this matter.