Kenaikan kuota BUDI beri kelegaan kepada Sabah, Sarawak

The Malaysian government has raised the basic subsidy quotas for petrol RON95 and BUDI diesel, easing the financial burden on people in East Malaysia, particularly those reliant on private vehicles for long journeys and agricultural produce transportation.

Minister of Prime Minister's Department for Sabah and Sarawak, Mustapha Sakmud, stated that this adjustment demonstrates the government's recognition of varying fuel needs across different regions, especially in non-urban areas. For Sabah and Sarawak, this move is highly significant due to extensive distances, limited public transport, and reliance on off-road and rural vehicles.

On August 30, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the increase of the RON95 subsidy quota back to 300 liters per month, effective September 1, and the enhancement of diesel quotas for pickup trucks and minibuses to 400 liters per month. Earlier, the government temporarily reduced the basic efficiency quota of BUDI95 from 300 liters to 200 liters per month since April, following fuel supply uncertainty due to conflicts in Asia.

Economic expert Lai Wei Sieng from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia said the resumption of the basic quota for BUDI95 would benefit drivers in Sabah and Sarawak significantly. He noted that the consumption needs in Sabah, Sarawak, and the mainland cannot be measured using the same standards. Absence of a comprehensive public transport network in Sabah and Sarawak makes private vehicles a basic necessity. The topography and distances between far-flung areas also contribute to higher fuel consumption, he added.

An additional 100 liters per month would provide greater relief to rural and hinterland communities in Sabah and Sarawak because their travel distances are usually longer. Diesel is crucial for transporting agricultural produce, basic needs, and economic activities, especially for those providing informal transport services to local communities.

Lai said the government's decision reflects a more responsive approach to the challenges of living costs in East Malaysia. This adjustment also shows the government is serious about taking feedback from Sabah and Sarawak and ready to adjust the standard based on usage data, public needs, and supply positions at the time. He emphasized that such adjustments are crucial due to the changing global energy supply and market conditions, so any policy adjustments must be made based on current realities, not outdated assumptions.