Deputy Minister Fuziah Salleh warned that this lack of participation in the Budi Madani programme might lead to increased prices of goods.
Only 100,000 out of 300,000 Eligible Diesel Vehicle Owners Are Registered
Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Fuziah Salleh expressed her concerns over the low number of public transport and goods vehicles registered under the Bantuan Subsidi MADANI (Budi Madani) MySubsidi Diesel programme.
According to the data from early August 2024, only 259,141 out of 410,000 eligible vehicles have applied for the Diesel Subsidy Control System (SKDS).
Fuziah warned that, if this trend persists, it could lead to increased prices of goods. “Many traders, whether using vans, pickup trucks, or one- to three-tonne lorries, have not registered with MySubsidi Diesel,” she told reporters during the Budi Madani engagement session at a farmer’s market on Sunday, 4 August 2024, as quoted from the Bernama News Agency.
She highlighted several reasons for this lack of registration, including traders being preoccupied with their businesses, applications being rejected, reliance on others to apply on their behalf, or having registered but not yet received a fleet card.
Fuziah also noted a similar issue within the individual category, with only 100,000 out of 300,000 eligible diesel vehicle owners registered. In response, the ministry plans to open more outreach counters in strategic locations to facilitate registration for Budi MySubsidi Diesel, Budi Madani, and Budi Agri-Komoditi.
“This issue needs to be addressed because if eligible recipients do not receive the targeted diesel subsidy, it will lead to higher goods costs, affecting both traders and consumers,” she emphasised.
Additionally, Fuziah reported that 24,154 inspections have been conducted nationwide since Ops Kesan 2.0 started. Furthermore, 244 notices under the Price Control Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 have been issued, requiring traders to explain any increases in the prices of goods and services following changes in diesel prices.
