Diesel subsidy improvements to be announced within a month, says Armizan

The Federal government plans to announce enhancements to the diesel subsidy scheme within a month, according to Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali. KPDN is confident the announcement may come sooner than the estimated one to two months. Armizan stated that KPDN has engaged with relevant parties and submitted all feedback to the Ministry of Finance, which oversees the matter.

Several improvements have been identified to protect the people's interests, including streamlining the application process, easing eligibility criteria for hire-purchase vehicles, and permitting quota transfers to immediate family members. Armizan announced that KPDN has initiated investigations into two ferry operators that have increased fares in Kudat for Kudat-Banggi Island trips.

The companies did not respond to a notice demanding information, leading Armizan to direct the Malaysia Competition Commission to probe potential price-fixing. Public passenger ferries are eligible for subsidized diesel using skid tanks, but both ferry companies haven't submitted applications, as found by Armizan's team. He suggested Sabah explore taking over the regulatory and licensing of passenger ferries to promote competition.

This matter will be brought to Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick, who also serves as Sabah Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport.