KOTA KINABALU: A consumers’ rights group is calling for the immediate implementation of the petrol fleet card system to ease the burdens on school bus operators and others who depend heavily on subsidised fuel for their daily operations.
The National Consumer Foundation Malaysia (YPNM) Sabah Chapter chairman David Chan said recent reports, including by The Star, have highlighted delays in the rollout of the fleet card system, causing significant challenges for operators who have yet to receive their cards.
As a result, many are forced to bear higher fuel costs after exhausting limited subsidised quotas, which are insufficient for their operational needs, he said.
“These sectors are essential service providers. School bus operators ensure the safe daily transportation of students while farmers and fishermen are the backbone of the nation’s food security,” he stressed.
“Any delay in providing targeted fuel subsidies will inevitably increase operational costs, lead to higher service charges and food prices and place additional financial pressure on consumers, especially the B40 and M40 groups,” said Chan.
He is also concerned that prolonged delays could result in disruption to supply chains, particularly in Sabah and other rural regions.
With that, he said the YPNM strongly urges the Federal Government to accelerate the distribution of fleet cards to all eligible operators as well as review and adjust fuel quota allocations to reflect actual operational requirements.
“It must ensure fair and inclusive access, including for those currently excluded due to technical or registration issues and strengthen coordination among relevant agencies to ensure smooth and transparent implementation,” Chan added.
He said while the YPNM fully supports the government’s efforts to ensure that fuel subsidies are well-targeted and benefit genuine users, implementation must be efficient, practical and timely to avoid unintended consequences on essential services and the people.
“We also call on all stakeholders to work together to ensure that this initiative achieves its intended objective which is to protect both service providers and consumers from rising costs of living.
“A well-executed subsidy system must not only be fair, but also responsive to the real needs on the ground,” said Chan.
Earlier, the Federation of Malaysian School Bus Associations have urged for the expedition of the issuance of subsidised fuel fleet cards to eligible school bus operators, following delays that have persisted since January.
Its president Amali Munif Rahmat claimed that many members who are operating petrol-run school vans and qualify for the Subsidised Petrol Control Scheme have yet to receive their fleet cards despite applying months ago.
