IPOH: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry will engage with the five major oil companies under the Subsidised Diesel Control System 2.0 (SKDS 2.0) soon to expedite the issuance of diesel subsidy fleet cards, says Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.
The Minister said the meeting would be held on Thursday (July 18).
He mentioned that the ministry had instructed the companies to present and submit the appropriate mechanism.
"During the meeting on Thursday, we will listen to what mechanism the companies have come up with to expedite the process," he told reporters at the launch of the consumer festival and the ministry’s central zone carnival tour held at Stadium Indera Mulia here on Sunday (July 14).
Armizan noted that there were delays, especially concerning the issuance of postpaid fleet cards, as the financial status of the applications must be reviewed before approval could be granted.
He said there was a backlog, but the ministry had taken several measures, including requesting the oil companies to issue cash cards as well.
"As of today (July 14), a total of 248,887 public transport vehicles and goods involving 88,029 companies have been approved for the subsidy.
"And according to the latest records obtained from the five oil companies as of July 8, as many as 165,897 fleet cards have been issued to the companies that applied," he added.
Armizan also pre-launched two private sector initiatives under the Ihsan Rahmah initiative, which included the "Ihsan Cashback" and "i-Mesra".
He said the initiatives are specially designed to help Malaysians reduce the cost of living and increase the competitiveness of local traders.
"The 'Ihsan Cashback' is an e-wallet cashback programme that gives cashback on purchases through participating companies.
"The goal is to help users save money, increase purchasing power, and maintain support for local traders," he added.
He said the "i-Mesra" system is a digital business management platform which would, among others, help food service operators manage inventory, provide financial management, marketing, digital authentication processes, and liability protection.
"This programme is intended to support micro, small, and medium businesses, especially those in the food and drinks sector.
"Both initiatives are expected to benefit consumers and traders across all sectors and services in Malaysia, with the food and beverage sector using the i-Mesra platform able to offer special promotions to users who use the e-wallet cashback," he said.
Armizan said such initiatives are expected to increase the attractiveness of businesses and help users reduce the burden of the cost of living when shopping daily.
"This will also further stimulate local traders to expand their market in line with the ministry’s ‘Buy Malaysian Goods Campaign.’"
