BINTULU: The price of subsidised diesel for Malaysians will be reduced to RM2.10 per litre beginning this July, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the reduction was made possible through reforms to the targeted diesel subsidy programme and would be implemented in line with the Budi RON95 programme using MyKad verification.
“Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan will brief the media in Kuala Lumpur on Monday on the implementation of the new subsidised diesel price,” he said when officiating the cheque handover ceremony marking the transfer of Bintulu Port from a federal port to a state port yesterday.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said the memorandum of understanding on the peace agreement between the United States and Iran was among the factors contributing to lower diesel prices despite ongoing global economic uncertainties.
“I am announcing a targeted diesel subsidy, not an increase but a reduction, although the situation remains uncertain.
“So far, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has been coordinating much of the negotiations, told me that this time he is confident the crisis in West Asia can be eased.
“As such, this will help us in terms of diesel prices,” he added.
He also explained that the implementation of the targeted diesel subsidy in Peninsular Malaysia was slightly delayed compared with Sabah and Sarawak, taking into account the higher diesel consumption recorded by both states.
Apart from Brunei, he noted that the price of RON95 petrol in Malaysia is among the lowest in the world, compared with other countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, where fuel prices are higher.
The highest unsubsidised diesel price in Peninsular Malaysia exceeded RM6 per litre in April but following market adjustments, the price dropped to RM4.37 per litre.
On a separate matter, Anwar said the close relationship between the Federal Government and Sarawak had been a key factor in the successful implementation of several strategic initiatives, including the transfer of Bintulu Port to state control.
He said the cooperation forged with Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had enabled long-standing issues to be resolved through negotiations and goodwill between both parties.
“Good relations and mutual trust between the Federal Government and the Sarawak government enable us to implement what has been agreed upon for the benefit of the people and the development of the state and the country,” he added.
On negotiations between Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS) and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros), Anwar said they were in the final stages.
He added that any differences of opinion arising during the negotiations were normal in a democratic system and should not be viewed as disputes affecting relations between the Federal Government and Sarawak.
Meanwhile, Anwar paid a condolence visit to Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri at her residence in Petra Jaya following the recent passing of her husband, the late Datuk Kamil Misuari.
Anwar, who arrived at about 5.45pm, spent approximately 20 minutes with Nancy and her family.
On June 18, the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry announced that Kamil had died at a hospital in Kuala Lumpur.
His remains were laid to rest at the Samariang Islamic Cemetery on June 19.
