Sabah DAP slams Hadi for questioning East Malaysia’s diesel subsidies

Its youth chief says Sabah’s terrain and dispersed rural settlements make communities heavily reliant on land transport for daily supplies.

The price of diesel in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan has remained at RM2.15 per litre despite global fuel price hikes arising from the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

PETALING JAYA:

 Sabah DAP Youth has criticised PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang for questioning the difference in fuel pricing between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak, saying it reflects a lack of understanding of the needs of the Borneo states.

Sabah DAP Youth chief Chan Loong Wei said the state’s road networks traversed hilly terrain and scattered rural areas, with communities heavily dependent on land transport for daily supplies.

“Diesel is critical (in Sabah). Without targeted subsidies suited to local realities, fuel price increases will directly impact the cost of essential goods and burden the people,” he said in a statement.

“Treating all regions the same without accounting for significant differences would only lead to greater imbalances.”

Earlier today, Hadi questioned the diesel price increase in Peninsular Malaysia, noting that it was not imposed in Sabah and Sarawak and lacked a solid basis.

The Marang MP said linking fuel price hikes to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, should not be used to justify the increases in diesel prices for Peninsular Malaysians.

The current retail price of diesel in Peninsular Malaysia until April 15 is set at RM6.72 per litre.

Subsidised RON95 petrol under the BUDI95 programme will remain at RM1.99 per litre, while diesel in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan stays at RM2.15 per litre.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim previously said Sabah and Sarawak would continue to receive subsidised diesel at RM2.15 per litre despite rising prices, citing the states’ logistical and geographical challenges.

However, the government started limiting diesel purchases in Sabah and Sarawak from April 1 following concerns over stockpiling and smuggling.

The limit has been set at 50 litres per purchase for light vehicles, 100 litres for public transport and goods vehicles under three tonnes, and 150 litres for vehicles above three tonnes. - FMT