KUCHING: The Social Welfare Council of Sarawak (SWCS) wants the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) and the relevant authorities to review the eligibility of vehicles used by welfare and charitable organisations for fuel subsidies under the Budi Madani diesel and RON95 initiatives.
Its president Dona Drury Wee said the appeal focuses particularly on vans used to deliver assistance to vulnerable communities.
"We are not seeking special treatment or a blanket subsidy, but a fair and practical mechanism that recognises the actual use of vehicles genuinely used to deliver welfare assistance and serve those in need," she said in a statement on Tuesday (Sept 8).
Wee said SWCS member organisations had highlighted their growing financial burden from purchasing fuel at non-subsidised rates, amounting to several thousand ringgit each month in some cases.
"These vehicles are not primarily used for commercial profit. They are essential for delivering food rations and basic necessities, transporting elderly and vulnerable persons, visiting needy families and providing direct assistance to communities.
"When fuel costs increase, the additional expenditure directly reduces the funds available for food, medicine, essential supplies and other assistance to those in need," she said.
SWCS called on the government to consider a special provision or appropriate subsidy mechanism for verified welfare vehicles, including vans, based on their actual use and purpose, rather than solely on vehicle classification.
Wee said SWCS was prepared to provide vehicle registration details, fuel usage records and evidence of welfare activities to assist the authorities in the verification process.
"We believe there should be a practical way to distinguish vehicles used for genuine welfare activities from those used for commercial purposes.
"We hope KPDN and the relevant authorities will review the matter and find a practical solution to prevent rising fuel costs from reducing the assistance available to vulnerable members of society," she added.
