{
  "id": 3411325,
  "title": "Ascertain usage before raising subsidy quota, says economist",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/ascertain-usage-before-raising-subsidy-quota-says-economist-3411325",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-26T02:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/08/26/ascertain-usage-before-raising-subsidy-quota-says-economist"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Economist Tan Peck Leong has warned the government to ascertain genuine need before increasing the diesel subsidy quota, citing data-driven decision-making. In rural Sabah and Sarawak, the government is considering a blanket 500-litre diesel subsidy quota, but Tan argues that actual consumption data is available to help determine appropriate subsidy amounts. While calls for a higher quota are understandable given the difficulties faced by rural communities, Tan warns that a blanket increase could undermine the aim of targeted subsidies to curb leakages and smuggling. Transport consultant Rosli Khan also opposes a blanket increase, arguing that higher fuel consumption should not be the sole determinant of eligibility for additional subsidies. Tan proposes an AI-assisted appeal system that assesses factors such as postcode, vehicle type, and fuel-use patterns to recommend additional quotas, ensuring assistance reaches those who genuinely need it without extending broader quotas.",
  "summary": "Tan Peck Leong says wider take-up of the existing 300-litre entitlement will give Putrajaya a clearer picture of actual demand.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Ascertain usage before raising subsidy quota, says economist",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/ascertain-usage-before-raising-subsidy-quota-says-economist",
        "published": "2026-08-26T02:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}