Towing service providers want diesel subsidy

 

A towing and transportation association said its members were unable to adhere to the 2018 guidelines which capped vehicle towing operators’ charges at RM150 for services between 1km and 10km. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: A group representing over 1,000 vehicle towing operators wants the government to include their service in the list of 23 vehicle categories eligible for diesel aid under the subsidised diesel control system (SKDS).

The 1 Malaysia Tow Truck and Car Carrier Association (1MTTCC) claimed its members’ operating costs had doubled due to the rise in the price of diesel in Peninsular Malaysia from RM2.15 to RM3.35 per litre.

1MTTCC president Yusif Yahya said the group’s members were unable to adhere to the 2018 guidelines which capped their charges at RM150 for services between 1km and 10km.

“We are heavily burdened by the lifting of the diesel subsidy. Diesel hasn’t just increased by 20 or 30 sen, but by RM1.20, which has caused our business to decrease by almost 50%.

“Customers are now hesitant to use our services as nearly all operators have had to double their charges,” he said at a press conference which was also attended by former Segamat MP Edmund Santhara Kumar and Gerakan president Dominic Lau.

Previously, FMT reported that towing companies were among those increasing prices for their services following the rise in diesel costs, as they were not listed among those eligible for diesel subsidies.

Others who are pushing for the government to include them in the list of sectors eligible to receive diesel subsidies include construction groups and tour bus operators.

Domestic trade and cost of living minister Armizan Mohd Ali previously said the government would consider expanding the range of vehicles eligible for diesel subsidies under SKDS 2.0. - FMT