THE Federal Government is urged to review the Budi Diesel implementation mechanism in Sabah and adopt a more flexible approach to ensure that those genuinely eligible, particularly residents in rural and interior areas, are not left out of receiving the assistance.
Nabawan Assemblyman Datuk Abdul Ghani Mohamed Yassin said the subsidy scheme should take into account the realities faced by rural communities, including challenging terrain, limited access to petrol stations and internet connectivity that remains far from comprehensive.
He said in interior areas such as Nabawan, the use of four-wheel-drive vehicles, agricultural machinery and diesel-powered engines is not a luxury but a daily necessity for economic activities and everyday living.
“Vehicle sharing among family members is also a common practice. Some vehicles are used by farmers to transport agricultural produce but are registered under the names of family members working in urban areas.
“Therefore, the subsidy mechanism must take into consideration the actual circumstances of rural communities so that they are not adversely affected by overly stringent requirements,” he said when debating the Supplementary Supply Bill 2026 during the State Assembly sitting Tuesday.
Abdul Ghani, who is also Chairman of the Sabah Land Development Board (SLDB), said efforts to curb subsidy leakages were justified, but law-abiding citizens should not be burdened with excessive requirements in order to receive the assistance.
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He also questioned the role of enforcement agencies in combating diesel smuggling and the misuse of subsidised diesel, stressing that measures to address leakages should not negatively affect the intended beneficiaries.
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