{
  "id": 15523491,
  "title": "Subsidi logistik bantu barang asas kekal mampu dibeli di Sabah, Sarawak",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/subsidi-logistik-bantu-barang-asas-kekal-mampu-dibeli-di-sabah-sarawak-15523491",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T23:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/bahasa/tempatan/2026/10/19/subsidi-logistik-bantu-barang-asas-kekal-mampu-dibeli-di-sabah-sarawak"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Economists have stated that transport subsidies aid in reducing the costs of essential goods, but the implementation has to reach the end-users. In Penampang, Sabah, and Pusa, Sarawak, the government has allocated RM250 million to expand the distribution of essential goods in rural and remote areas. The program has already allocated 1,570 selling points, 1,480 of which are in Sabah and Sarawak. By providing cash assistance like Rahmah Cash Grant (STR) and Basic Rahmah Grant (SARA), the power of purchasing essentials is increased. Reducing transportation and distribution costs can prevent these costs from being shifted to the users, effectively supporting the government's efforts to manage the burden of living costs. However, there are concerns about whether RM250 million is sufficient when extending the program to six additional locations. Firdausi Suffian, a University Technology Malaysia (UiTM) Sabah economist, stresses the importance of improving highways and transportation networks to facilitate the delivery of goods to remote areas. He emphasizes that such subsidies should not replace better infrastructure and transportation links. According to him, long-term infrastructure development can help reduce dependence on distribution subsidies, allowing more funds to be allocated to other social welfare programs. UiTM's Tan Peck Leong also stresses that the success of the program should be evaluated based on the price and availability of supplies in the target areas, not just the allocation budget. He suggests the ministry publish price comparisons before and after the program, ensuring sufficient supply and adherence to approved price levels. The government can also collaborate with manufacturers, wholesalers, cooperatives, and village shops to leverage existing distribution networks. He emphasizes that the people of Sabah and Sarawak's remoteness should not cause them to pay much more for essential items solely due to their location.",
  "summary": "Ahli ekonomi berkata bantuan pengedaran penting untuk penduduk pedalaman, namun pelaksanaan dan penambahbaikan infrastruktur perlu bergerak seiring.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Subsidi logistik bantu barang asas kekal mampu dibeli di Sabah, Sarawak",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/subsidi-logistik-bantu-barang-asas-kekal-mampu-dibeli-di-sabah-sarawak",
        "published": "2026-10-18T23:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}