Group lauds continued diesel subsidy for Sabah and Sarawak

KOTA KINABALU: A consumer body here is relieved that the diesel subsidy will remain for Sabah and Sarawak.

Sabah West Coast Smart Consumers Association president David Chan said the news, as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, was soothing to many who were concerned about a potential price hike if the subsidy was retargeted for the state.

“We welcome this move by the PM. It shows that he understands the plight of Sabahans and Sarawakians,” he said when contacted yesterday.

Chan had previously urged Anwar to reconsider the decision to retarget the diesel subsidy, saying that many in Sabah depended on diesel for their livelihood and also for commuting.

He also said that many in Sabah were forced to drive diesel-powered 4WD vehicles due to the terrain and road conditions, adding that if the subsidy was removed, many would be hit by rising costs.