KOTA KINABALU: Parti Warisan leaders have submitted a memorandum asking the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry for special consideration exempting Sabah from the revised targeted diesel subsidy scheme.
They explained that this memorandum seeks to exempt Sabah from the scheme because the reality of life in the state differs from elsewhere in the country.
Among those involved are Datuk Junz Wong (Tanjung Aru), Azhar Matussin (Darau), Tham Yun Fook (Likas), Edna Majimbun (Inanam), Loi Kok Liang (Api-Api), Samuel Wong Tshun Chuen (Luyang) and Chin Tek Ming (Kapayan).
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In a joint statement Wednesday (July 1), they explained that the blanket diesel subsidy does not account for geographical, economic and infrastructure differences among states.
"This not only burdens individuals but also affects the continuity of small businesses, transportation, tourism, fisheries and community services that depend on diesel," they said.
They added that rural and interior locations in Sabah result in higher diesel consumption than in most states.
They said diesel vehicles are widely used in Sabah because of geographical and terrain challenges, adding that many off-grid areas also depend on the fuel for electricity generation.
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They noted that fishing, transport, and tour boats to islands and other areas also depend mainly on diesel.
"Sabah is not just a consumer state, it is one of the main contributors to the country's oil and gas industry," they added.
They are also urging the ministry to acknowledge Sabah's greater need for diesel, review its existing policy, and protect critical sectors such as rural public transportation, fisheries, tourism and small-scale industries.
