Fuel subsidies and how they affect the planet’s health

Why invest in drilling for oil when the plethora of evidence presented by science, and indeed by the industry itself, indicates that current known global reserves are only sufficient for the next 52 years? — MARIA LUPAN/Unsplash

IT is heartening to see that Malaysia is engaged in some vigorous discussions on phasing out fuel subsidies, starting with diesel, as confirmed in May 2024 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

We are at a very difficult crossroads with our energy policy, and need to make sure that the conversation is clear on why action on fuel subsidies is urgent. We are currently the 14th highest fossil fuel subsidiser per capita in the world and second highest in Asean, after Singapore.