PETALING JAYA: Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan will continue to enjoy subsidised diesel at RM2.15 per litre, as the government moves to tighten controls by capping refuelling volumes to curb abuse of the fuel subsidy.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the fuel limit for the two states and the federal territory, which takes effect on April 1, is to ensure adequate diesel supply and a fair distribution of diesel to all parties amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
“This means that when this price difference swells, we must be vigilant and take more stringent control measures, and more effective enforcement.
“But considering the geographical and logistical conditions, we have taken a decision that I think is reasonable at this stage.
“But leakages must be curbed and controlled,” he said during a special address broadcast live yesterday.
On the diesel refuelling limit, Anwar stated that light public land transport vehicles, goods and private vehicles have a maximum limit of 50 litres per purchase.
“Public land transport and goods vehicles not exceeding three tonnes have a maximum limit of 100 litres per purchase.
“For vehicles exceeding three tonnes, they have a maximum of 150 litres per purchase,” he said.
Anwar said the measure is to guarantee and ensure the supply is available and can be distributed fairly and adequately to all.
“Without this adjustment, we are concerned that there is a tendency to hoard and smuggle, as has been detected so far.
“So, I am taking a more comprehensive approach to guarantee supply and at the same time managing demand more prudently and cautiously,” he added.
Anwar said that since the start of the conflict in the Middle East, the government has been proactive in ensuring fuel supplies are sufficient for the well-being of the people.
“Two weeks ago, the government announced that the fuel subsidy had increased to RM3.2bil. Today, the total has increased to RM4bil per month,” he added.
Anwar also said the government will not compromise on the abuse of fuel subsidies, adding that smuggling and profiteering of fuel will face strict action.
He said enforcement agencies will increase integrated operations to monitor the country’s borders.
“To Malaysians, continue to report suspicious activities at petrol stations,” he added.
Meanwhile, Anwar said the work-from-home initiative for the public sector will be implemented in selected departments and in stages.
He said the details of the work-from-home initiative involving the public sector will be announced soon.
For the private sector, Anwar also urged them to heed the call to implement work-from-home measures.
