‘Proceed cautiously with RON95 petrol subsidies rationalisation’

THE rationalisation of RON95 petrol subsidies has prompted Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (pic) (BN-Ayer Hitam) to voice his concerns over “surprises” in its implementation.

During Minister’s Question Time yesterday, Dr Wee urged the government to proceed cautiously, highlighting the impact on the public.

“Will there be a surprise like when the diesel subsidies were rationalised? We need to be careful here as it will impact the people,” he said.

Dr Wee directed his supplementary question at Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli, as Rafizi had reportedly hinted at another “surprise” in the announcement of rationalised RON95 petrol subsidies.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had since said the government has yet to make any decision on the need to rationalise the RON95 petrol subsidy.

Addressing concerns about the timing of the rationalised RON95 subsidies, Rafizi said any early announcement could see the prices of goods increase.

“If we make an early announcement, prices of goods can multiply as traders can use this as an excuse to raise prices.

“It’s best if the decision is kept within the government’s knowledge. It will only be announced once the government decides to do so,” he said.

This was in response to Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran) who asked how sudden announcements, as seen with the implementation of rationalised diesel subsidies, would help alleviate the economic impact of the move.

Separately, Dr Wee also asked about correlations between information from the Central Database Hub (Padu) and the Budi Madani aid.

To this, Rafizi said there was a crosscheck of information between Budi Madani and Padu.

He said before Padu, any applications for government aid would need to be processed individually.

“Data is needed from various sources which makes the process longer. We are also finalising a standard operating procedure for any agency wanting to develop programmes where they can utilise data from Padu to perform crosschecks,” he said.

Diesel subsidies were rationalised beginning June 10.