PROBIN-M gesa kelayakan subsidi diesel lori RoRo dikembalikan

PROBIN-M has submitted a memorandum to the government seeking to reinstate the diesel subsidy eligibility for RoRo lorries used in waste management services. PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Roll-On Roll-Off Bin Vendors Association (PROBIN-M) has handed over a memorandum to the government to claim the diesel subsidy eligibility for RoRo lorries used in waste management services.

The association's representative, Wan Mohd Zharif Wan Zulkiffeli, explained that some contractors have lost the diesel subsidy after their vehicle's model name or classification changed in the Vehicle Classification (VOC) after an inspection. According to him, this occurs even if the vehicle's function remains unchanged and is still used to transport RoRo containers and collect and transport waste from commercial, industrial, and construction areas.

"The vehicle's function remains unchanged. The subsidy should not be revoked solely due to a change in the model name within the VOC," he said after submitting the memorandum at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). The memorandum was submitted to Aznur Hafeez Kaswuri, Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs. PROBIN-M claims that there is a discrepancy in the diesel subsidy eligibility for lorries performing the waste management function.

According to the association, lorries still recorded as "Hazardous Waste Lorries" may still be eligible for diesel subsidies, while lorries reclassified as "Roll-On Roll-Off Lorries" are no longer eligible. Wan Mohd Zharif stated that the issue is not due to a change in the vehicle's operational function, but rather a lack of coherence in classification and record-keeping between related agencies.

"Contractors who follow the inspection and record-keeping process should not be penalized when changes in VOC terminology cause them to lose the subsidy eligibility," he said. He added that the loss of subsidy is increasing daily running and transport costs, putting pressure on cash flow for contractors already bound by existing contracts.

He explained that the ongoing increase in operational costs could potentially disrupt the smooth flow of waste collection, affecting contractors, merchants, the industrial sector, and users. "This issue is not only about contractor costs. If the collection operation is disrupted, it could impact public cleanliness, public health, and the country's image," he said.

In the memorandum, PROBIN-M urges the government to restore the diesel subsidy eligibility for RoRo lorries used for collecting and transporting waste, including lorries affected by changes in model or classification in the VOC. The association also requests the government to impose a moratorium on denial of applications solely due to terminology discrepancies and to harmonize data and codes between the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Road Transport Department (JPJ), Puspakom, and related agencies.

PROBIN-M also proposes a fast-track appeal mechanism for previous cases denied or halted due to a reclassification change. The association also requests the government to provide written responses and take immediate action within seven working days after receiving the memorandum.