LABUAN: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has been urged to introduce a smoother and more efficient system for motorists purchasing subsidised diesel at petrol stations.
Labuan Chinese Chamber of Commerce chairman Datuk Wong Kii Yii said frequent changes to the eligibility requirements under the Budi Diesel programme since its expansion last July 1 had caused confusion and frustration among eligible recipients.
“The flip-flop decisions have caused frustration, with some people missing out on enjoying the benefits of the programme,” Wong said.
He raised the matter during a courtesy visit to Labuan KPDN Director Junaidah Arbain, where the delegation also discussed several issues related to the diesel subsidy programme.
Wong highlighted several changes made to the programme following public feedback.
“Initially, sole proprietors who owned petrol stations were not eligible for the programme, but the condition was later withdrawn following public backlash.
“There was also a quota system, with some vehicle owners initially limited to either 100 or 150 litres per month. Following criticism, this was revised to a standard allocation of 200 litres per month for all eligible recipients.
“There is also no proper mechanism for self-service diesel pumping, resulting in confusion among users,” he said.
Wong said these were among the concerns raised by businesses and consumers, adding that he was pleased the government was continuing to fine-tune the system.
“It would have been better if the programme had been fully fine-tuned before it was implemented,” he said.
On a separate note, Wong thanked the Madani government for continuing the subsidy programme despite its significant cost.
“It has certainly provided much-needed relief to lower-income groups,” he said.
Meanwhile, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup recently also emphasised the need to strengthen the Budi Diesel programme.
