‘Govt agents sabotaging distribution of goods’

Consignments of goods meant for communities in the interior were left at the nearest town, claims an MP.

KUCHING: Government-appointed distribution agents are sabotaging its multi-million ringgit effort to bring subsidised goods into rural areas in Sarawak.

In a shocking disclosure, Kapit MP Alexander Nanta Linggi said he had received many complaints that consignments of goods meant for communities in the interior were left at the nearest town.

He said some agents, appointed by the domestic trade, cooperatives and consumerism ministry, despite being paid to do so, are not sending the goods to the designated sites in the interior of the state.

“These are unscrupulous agents. If they have to send goods to faraway places, like in the upper reaches of the Rajang River, they are expected to do it.

“Instead, they (agents) deliver the goods to the nearest town but their claims for payment are based on the final destination.

“This is not right as people in the rural areas are being denied the benefit of the government’s assistance,” he said.

He added that a few agents had been appointed in Song and Kapit and were monitored by the National Price Council secretariat.

He said the initiative was part of the government’s efforts to improve the distribution of essential goods to targeted beneficiaries of the government’s subsidy scheme.

“What these unscrupulous people are doing is bad for everybody. What these agents are doing is tantamount to sabotaging the government’s noble effort,” he said.

‘Be sensitive’

Linggi also urged the federal government to maintain fuel subsidies for express boats which were the most convenient mode of transports between rural towns like Kapit, Song, Belaga, Kanowit and Marudi.

He said any withdrawal of fuel subsidies will burden the people because it will invariably lead to higher boat fares.

“Express boats are still the main mode of transport in Kapit and many other towns.

“The poor and the low-income group must not be made to suffer more than necessary. They still need government assistance to ensure that their livelihood is not unduly affected by the rising cost,” he said.

Linggi said the government must be sensitive and know what subsidies to abolish and what to continue.

He was referring to the recent moves by the government to withdraw wide-ranging subisidies which have affected the public.

Several groups have urged the government to retain subsidies on food and fuel and instead abolish aid to Independent Power Producers and AP (approved permit) holders.