KUCHING: The Federal Government has been urged to consider a special approach towards the implementation of diesel purchase quotas in Sarawak, taking into account the geographical challenges as well as the unique needs of rural and interior communities which differ from states in Peninsular Malaysia.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the currently set diesel purchase limits need to be re-evaluated, particularly for residents in the interior who have to travel long distances just to obtain fuel supplies.

According to him, some residents in the interior have to bear high travel costs to reach the nearest petrol station, yet they are only permitted to purchase up to 100 litres of diesel per transaction.

“For example in Bario, travelling to the nearest petrol station can take up to 15 hours, so we need to think about the actual situation happening on the ground in Sarawak.

“I hope special consideration can be given to help the people who find themselves in such circumstances,” he said.

He said this when met by reporters after chairing the Sarawak Consumer Movement (GPN) Meeting here on Monday.

Thus, he requested that the matter be given specific consideration for Sarawak, especially in areas that still rely on generators for electricity supply and use of boats requiring diesel as their primary mode of transport.

In the meantime, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah informed that the meeting also discussed consumer complaints received throughout this year as well as the follow-up actions that need to be taken based on those reports.

According to him, the same meeting presented inspection reports on business premises and petrol stations, besides receiving briefings regarding the National Consumer Policy 2.0 and the Subsidised Diesel Control System.

In the same development, he said that Sarawak GPN will intensify efforts to disseminate information to the public to enhance understanding of subsidy implementation, including application methods and the processes to obtain the provided assistance.

“This is important because without proper explanation, the community will face difficulties in understanding the facilities provided.

“Therefore, this matter will continue to be improved because we want to educate, train, and raise awareness among consumers regarding their rights as consumers,” he stated.

He also emphasised that enforcement aspects will continue to be strengthened through close cooperation between various agencies, particularly in addressing leakages that require immediate action.

He explained that coordination among agencies is highly crucial to empower enforcement and not rely entirely on the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) to curb any form of misconduct.

Also present were the Deputy Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah, Advisor to the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED) Dato Sri Naroden Majais, MINTRED Permanent Secretary Datu Lester Matthew, Sarawak KPDN Director and Sarawak GPN Chairman Matthew Dominic Barin, Divisional Residents, as well as Heads of Departments. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Photos by: Ahmad Daniel Faiz & Shairazi Sapiie
Translator: Ryan Lim