PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has issued a stern warning to commercial vehicle owners, who benefit from the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS), against increases in price despite enjoying diesel subsidies.
The PM cited school buses and said anyone who raises prices despite getting benefits from diesel subsidies risks having their license revoked.
“Why raise prices if you benefit from the diesel subsidy? We don’t exploit the poor, and savings from targeted subsidies can be redirected to aid the people,” he said in his speech at the Public Service Department’s Madani Aspirations gathering at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre on Friday.
For instance, some nine million people benefit from the RM10 billion STR (Rahmah Cash Aid) allocation (this year),” he added.
The government is reportedly considering expanding the list of modes of transport eligible for diesel subsidies.
This includes increasing the quota for public transportation under the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS 1.0), like school and express buses.
Some quarters had asked the government to postpone the diesel rationalisation plan, PM Anwar said.
Furthermore, the prime minister defended the diesel rationalisation plan as necessary to reduce fuel leaks, citing cases in which foreign fishing vessels abused subsidised diesel intended for citizens.
“The number of vehicles (in the country) increases by eight per cent annually.”
“However, diesel consumption was found to have increased by 20 to 30 per cent; this means there are leakages.”
The plan would help the government redirect its savings towards education and other key sectors.
When asked to clarify the issue, Anwar said: “(It applies to) all (commercial vehicle owners) who receive diesel subsidies.”
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