TAWAU: Sabahans have described the government as attentive to the state's heavy reliance on diesel, following its decision to maintain the subsidised price at RM2.15 per litre, compared with RM6.02 in Peninsular Malaysia.
Sabah's unique geography and infrastructure challenges are among the factors contributing to the extensive use of diesel vehicles in the state.
Fresh seafood seller Ruslih Mohd Kassim, 47, from Kampung Pasir Putih, said the initiative by the government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, to allow a lower subsidised diesel price in the state, reflects a leadership which understands the needs of Sabahans.
"We understand the current situation, but we hope this subsidised price will be maintained in Sabah, considering the size of the state, where journeys can span hundreds of kilometres to reach a destination, and the challenging road conditions, which make diesel vehicles widely used.
"I personally use this fuel for my vehicle, because it makes it easier to transport and deliver seafood supplies to restaurants around here, as well as to Kota Kinabalu. My monthly fuel cost is about RM400, but if deliveries are frequent, it can exceed RM100 in just three days," he told Bernama.
A similar view was shared by prawn seller Zulfahmi Samir, 25, at Jalan Dunlop market, who said that fuel costs are high, especially when delivering prawn supplies to Kota Kinabalu, which is more than 500km away, and can take up to 10 hours of travel time.
"For trips to Semporna just to collect supplies, it can cost about RM50 for a return journey, while more than RM100 worth of diesel is needed for trips to Kota Kinabalu. In a month, I travel to Kota Kinabalu more than twice," he said.
He expressed gratitude that diesel prices in Sabah remain lower than in Peninsular Malaysia, and hopes that the government will continue maintaining the subsidy.
For Semarak Jaya resident and fruit seller, Firma Ahmad Lasi, 29, the cost of filling up diesel for his vehicle exceeds RM100 per week.
"Some days, it can reach RM100 just for fuel, as we travel long distances to collect fruit - for example, a journey of more than 300 kilometres from Tawau to Keningau.
"Diesel is the lifeline of our movement and business operations - from delivering fruit to roadside sales and sourcing supplies. We hope that the government will maintain the current price so that people continue to feel supported," Firma said.
Car wash centre operator Mohd Shah Rizan Ilham, 32, from Kampung Muhibbah, said the government's move to maintain subsidised prices in Sabah is highly appreciated, as aligning prices with Peninsular Malaysia would severely affect many small businesses in the state, and could force them to close.
"In Sabah, diesel is crucial for our transportation, so that any price increase would have a significant impact on ordinary consumers, and prices of goods would rise accordingly. I personally source car wash supplies from Kota Kinabalu, and the diesel cost for a one-way trip from Tawau is about RM150," he said.
Meanwhile, a sundry shop owner in Batu 2, Muhammad Irwan, 50, said that the government's diesel subsidy in Sabah is crucial in ensuring that prices of goods remain stable and do not surge.
"I handle the sourcing and selling of goods myself. Fortunately, the distance is short, so transporting goods only uses about two litres of diesel a day. The government's initiative for Sabah is benefiting all residents in the state," he said.
A fisherman in Batu Payung, Mohd Rosman Jumat, 38, described the lower subsidised diesel price as beneficial not only to large-boat fishermen, but also to the wider community, including smallholders, farmers and small businesses, which rely on diesel vehicles to transport their produce to factories.
Echoing the sentiment, fisherman Fadilah Abu Rairah, 48, said he was pleased with diesel and petrol prices in Sabah, adding that the government's move to maintain the subsidy has greatly facilitated their fishing activities. - Bernama
