KENINGAU: Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup wants the Budi Madani Diesel Subsidy (Budi Diesel) programme reviewed to address operational issues that could prevent eligible recipients, particularly in Sabah’s rural areas, from receiving assistance.
He said he would raise the matter at Cabinet and in the Dewan Negara to strengthen the programme’s implementation and ensure the subsidy reaches those who qualify.
Arthur, who is also Pensiangan Member of Parliament, said there remains room to improve the programme, especially in Sabah, where certain implementation issues require further attention.
”Among the concerns are cases where vehicles are registered under another person’s name even though the actual user is a Malaysian citizen eligible for the diesel subsidy,” he said after presenting letters of appointment to 168 chairpersons and secretaries of the Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK) for the Sook state constituency, here.
He said such situations may not be adequately addressed under the existing mechanism and should be considered as part of the review.
“Residents in the Pensiangan parliamentary constituency rely heavily on diesel for transport, agriculture, business and other daily activities, making the subsidy particularly important.
“Any improvements should reflect the realities faced by rural communities so that eligible recipients are not excluded,” he added.
According to him, subsidy policies should be reviewed periodically to ensure they remain relevant, with public feedback continuing to guide improvements to government initiatives.
He said the proposed changes would also help prevent eligible recipients from missing out because of technical or administrative constraints.
Arthur said people in rural and interior areas face different challenges from those in urban centres, including long travelling distances, dependence on diesel-powered vehicles and higher operating costs.
He said policy implementation must take into account conditions on the ground to ensure assistance reaches its intended beneficiaries.
He expressed hope that ministries, implementing agencies and elected representatives would work together to improve the programme’s implementation mechanism.
Arthur said he hopes the review will result in a fairer and more effective subsidy system that eases diesel costs for eligible rural recipients and supports their economic, agricultural and business activities.
