By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 31: The government’s decision to restore the BUDI95 fuel entitlement to 300 litres a month and raise BUDI Diesel allocations for eligible four-wheel-drive (4WD) owners to 400 litres is a positive response to concerns raised by Sarawakians.
However, the higher quotas should not be viewed as the end of the matter.
In a statement, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Malaysia and Miri MP Chiew Choon Man proposed a periodic review mechanism for fuel subsidy allocations that accounts for Sarawak’s unique geography, travelling distances, road conditions, fuel consumption patterns, and socioeconomic circumstances.
He also said he would continue pushing for businesses, entrepreneurs, smallholders, and operators that depend heavily on diesel but cannot benefit sufficiently—or at all—from the current Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS) framework, which has issues with its eligibility criteria.
“A policy may have a national objective, but its implementation must remain responsive to different realities on the ground,” he said.
Meanwhile, on the announcement of the restoration of the BUDI95 quota and increase of BUDI Diesel allocations, he said the changes were particularly meaningful for Sarawak, where fuel consumption patterns are shaped by the State’s vast geography, long travelling distances, and challenging road conditions.
“Since the implementation of BUDI Diesel in Sarawak on July 1, 2026, I have consistently maintained that while we understand the government’s objective of ensuring that subsidies are targeted, sustainable, and reach those who genuinely need them, the implementation must also take into account the actual circumstances faced by ordinary people, particularly in Sarawak.
He said his office had organised a town hall in Miri attended by more than 200 people, including residents, companies, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), smallholders, and local contractors affected by BUDI Diesel and the SKDS.
Further feedback was also collected through online channels and compiled, then formally conveyed to the federal government, including the Minister of Finance II, Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.
Among the main complaints was that the previous fuel entitlement did not adequately reflect the actual needs of many Sarawakians.
“For people living in Sarawak, fuel consumption cannot always be measured against conditions elsewhere in the country. Many people travel significant distances between rural settlements and towns for work, education, healthcare, and daily necessities.
“Some families depend on 4WD vehicles because of road and terrain conditions, while certain rural communities continue to rely on diesel generators for electricity. Against this background, the decision to increase the entitlement is a meaningful improvement.
“It shows that public feedback can contribute towards improving the implementation of government policies. It is important that when problems arise following the implementation of a new policy, we listen, gather evidence, communicate those concerns through the proper channels and work towards practical improvements,” he said. — DayakDaily
