By Amanda L
KUCHING, Mar 30: The Sarawak government has been urged to ensure local energy supply remains affordable before exporting to neighbouring countries and to implement assistance policies that are flexible and tailored to different sectors, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
According to Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen, any aid plan should cover not only the low-income B40 group, but also the M40 and the business community, which are expected to feel rising costs from higher energy prices and transport challenges linked to the Iran conflict
“Energy shortages will translate directly into higher costs, particularly for businesses, including the cost of producing goods. Sarawak has ambitions to become an energy powerhouse.
“Before selling energy to neighbouring countries, the government should first ensure that local supply remains affordable,” he told reporters after a joint press conference on the SPM Excellent Reward Scheme held at DAP Sarawak Headquarters, today.
He added that transport and logistics sectors are likely to be among the most affected. The full economic impact of the Iran conflict has yet to materialise, and any assistance fund or policy should be reviewed periodically and adjusted as conditions evolve.
Chong stressed that different sectors would require different forms of support, saying that aid policies should not be a one-size-fits-all approach and calling for additional measures from the federal government to help the business community manage rising costs.
“Many businesses still have existing stock, but in one to two months, the impact will begin to surface more widely. The government should quickly formulate policies and assistance programmes to support affected sectors,” he added. — DayakDaily
