PETALING JAYA: Consumers and small business owners have welcomed the government’s decision to introduce subsidised diesel at RM2.10 per litre nationwide from July 1, although some are seeking greater clarity on fuel allocations under the MyKad-based scheme.
Malaysian Tamilan Tow Truck Association president Mathevaanan Mohanaraja said the effectiveness of the initiative would ultimately depend on how much subsidised diesel each MyKad holder is entitled to receive.
He noted that many users already find the allocation under the current Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95) programme insufficient for their needs.
“Our fuel consumption is high. Even 100 litres can be used up very quickly. So we are not sure if the allocation will be enough, and it probably won’t be.
“Another issue is supply. Sometimes petrol stations do not have sufficient diesel. The government may say supply is available, but the reality on the ground can be different,” he said.
His comments came after the Finance Ministry announced that Malaysians would be entitled to purchase subsidised diesel at RM2.10 per litre through a MyKad-based mechanism, similar to the Budi95 programme.
The ministry said the retail price of diesel in Sabah and Sarawak would also be aligned with the retail price in Peninsular Malaysia.
Meanwhile, Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations chief executive officer Dr T. Saravanan described the measure as timely, saying it would help ease cost-of-living pressures, especially for households and businesses that depend on diesel-powered vehicles.
“Lower fuel costs can also help stabilise the prices of goods and services, benefiting consumers nationwide.
“At the same time, effective enforcement and monitoring are crucial to prevent leakages, smuggling and misuse of subsidised fuel. Any subsidy mechanism must ensure public funds are used efficiently and reach the intended beneficiaries,” he said.
Pan-Malaysian Bus Operators Association president Datuk Mohamad Ashfar Ali pointed out that the scheme would have little impact on commercial bus operators who already enjoy subsidised diesel rates.
“This is essentially an extension of the Budi95 concept to diesel. It is aimed more at individual owners of diesel-powered pickup trucks, small lorries and vans,” he said.
Businessman Iqtidar Ahmad, 35, said the scheme could help reduce operating costs for micro, small and medium enterprises, particularly tow truck operators and owners of business vehicles.
However, he agreed that the overall impact would depend on the amount of diesel allocated to each eligible user.
Pickup truck owner Latifah Awang, 34, said it would help ease her monthly fuel expenses.
“We are happy with the nationwide price. It means I can balik kampung more often because I currently spend about RM1,200 a month on fuel for my pickup truck,” she said.
